1986 3.2 Carrera engine running rich

[4kidsno911]

Hey guys,

New 911 owner/enthusiast here. I bought a car that has been sitting a few years so trying to get it back into shape. I have replaced many of the basic stuff already after reading up and searching the forums here. See list below of items replaced on this car so far.

oil change
DME relay
new rebuilt ECU
fuel Filter
Cap and rotor
coil
plugs
02 sensor
removed all fuel injectors and had the rails and injectors pro cleaned and rebuilt.

After all of this the car still runs really poorly just like it did when I first got it and fired it up after the oil change. The car barely idles and when I rev up it seems to run better but then back at idle really sounds bad. A few people have said that it sounds like a cylinder is not firing. I pulled the new plugs after a few starts and two drives around the block to take a look. Looks to me like running very rich but looks like all cylinders are firing? From reading up on the forums it looks like next step is the cylinder temp sensor which I have read can cause the car to barely run and run rich?

Thank you in advance for any suggestion or help!

Brian

[RedCoupe]

Make sure that the electrical plugs on the left side of the engine bay back by the heater blower are all properly snapped together. One of them is for the cylinder head temp sensor and if it is unplugged it will run really poorly. Happened to me in the middle of a drive. Fortunately, it’s a five minute fix. If the connectors are all good, then the sensor itself may be toast.

[4kidsno911]

okay thanks and it is the white one I have read

[john walker's workshop]

3.2 s are famous for sucking in or blowing out an intake gasket, usually the lower ones. That kills the cylinder at idle and low RPM. Disconnet one injector plug at a time to see which cylinder is dead, or pull plug wires.

[proporsche]

also i would get the spark plugs....do not know about these platinum you have in there...
WR7dc-Bosch are the plugs for you

Ivan

what was the last time you have checked the C/O mix-fuel mix? that could just be your another problem

[gomezoneill]

Start by washing the car.

[4kidsno911]

Originally Posted by gomezoneill

Start by washing the car.

Here you go

[4kidsno911]

Pretty sure it is a vac leak on cylinder 4. Next step is to replace the intake gaskets. I sprayed some carb cleaner around that port and down further near the plug wire and the motor did rev up a bit.

Searching for threads or maybe a video on this now?

Thank you for all the replies and advice.

Brian

[gomezoneill]

Much better.

[4kidsno911]

Originally Posted by john walker's workshop

3.2 s are famous for sucking in or blowing out an intake gasket, usually the lower ones. That kills the cylinder at idle and low RPM. Disconnet one injector plug at a time to see which cylinder is dead, or pull plug wires.

thank you, any recommendations for the best sockets for these hex bolts and torque wrench. I have a big one that is not digital. Also I cannot find any threads on how tight to initially torque those bolts. I could tell by looking at one of the hex bolts which is the cylinder in question (#4) that is has been messed with. looks like someone tightened it some which maybe was a temporary solution.

thanks!

[Pedro '84 Coupe]

I used ball end hex sockets similar to this https://www.mscdirect.com/product/details/01877141. Worked great. As far as torque, if you can't find a suitable wrench, you should be OK getting them tight and then turning the socket another 1/4 turn or so. You'll have to check the bolts again after a few hundred miles so they don't need to be super tight.

I suggest you change the fuel lines in the engine compartment while you're in there. Much easier with the intake off. Also a good time to inspect your vacuum lines and any other rubber bits.

Edit: May as well do the triangle of death gaskets and o-ring too. Easy access.

[4kidsno911]

thanks for the tips

[john walker's workshop]

The right side intake is the easy side. Should take 20 minutes to get it off.

[4kidsno911]

Do you put anything on the gaskets or just dry?
Thanks

[Pedro '84 Coupe]

Dry. I replaced the flanges with new ones but you can reuse them if needed. Just make sure they are completely flat.