Irregular idle & noise from front passenger side
 

Hi, This is my first post on here so excuse me for being a bit naive, I have purchased a 911 Carerra 3.2 of 1984 vintage, the car isn't perfect but that was reflected in the price I paid for it and there are just a few niggling things that I would like to try and get to the bottom of before I take it to my mechanic to fix up.

Firstly when the car is started (which it does first turn of the key) the idling is very erratic, if I touch the throttle it cuts out or splutters a lot, there is also a strong smell of unburnt fuel to go with the slight blackish smoke from the exhaust, after a few minutes the car settles down and runs fine until the next cold start. Any idea's.

Secondly when I set off on a trip the car seem to suffer from what seems like wobbly wheel syndrome for a short time, this occurs when I slow down to take a turn or something, again it stops after a while although there does seem to be a rubbling noise coming from the front left wheel and there is a bit of play when you grab the wheel and pull, could this be the wheel bearing.

A few thoughts...

1. The idling problem could be a bad idle control valve or the car could need a mixture adjustment. Have you tried running a couple of bottles of Techron through the system? Before replacing a bunch of parts I'd run a bottle or two of Techron through the system. If that doesn't solve the problem, have your mechanic change the oil (to remove the oil that's been contaminated with Techron) and then have him adjust the mixture. If that doesn't work, then it's time to start looking at parts replacement.

2. My guess, and it's only a guess, is that you have at least two problems with the steering. It sounds like you may have a bad wheel bearing, and it also sounds like the nylon bushing in the steering column has disintegrated. Our host sells a metal sleeve that replaces the nylon bushing. Installation requires removal of the steering wheel, but it's a very simple job. I think there's a technical article on the website that explains how to install the sleeve. The part is about $12.

To check the steering column bushing, sit in the driver's seat and grab the wheel. Try to move it up and down and side to side. If there's play, you need to replace the bushing.

To check the wheel bearing, jack the car up and place jack stands at the appropriate spots for safety. Grab the wheel and try to wiggle it from side to side and top to bottom. If there's a lot of play or slop, then the bearing is probably shot.

Do a search here on the Board for more info on wheel bearings.

I hope this helps.

Scott

Welcome aboard!

Swede-basher ? Should I be offended ? :D


kidding of course!

hold on to your wallet...!! just kidding

Hey, welcome and stay around a little. This is a great resource to find answers.

The 3.2 engine is controlled by an electronic engine management system also called Motronic (Bosch) or ECU. This module uses certain inputs (engine load, crank position, IAT and CHT, RPM) and puts out signals to the fuel injectors and the ingition coil. It takes care of timing and mixture. There are no adjustments like on the 3.0 and earlier engines.

I suggest first you need to determine whether you really have an issue or if you are just spoiled by modern cars :) Next, you need to check whether the sensors give plausible readings. For example the CHT (cylinder head temperature) sensor is known to fail sometimes making cold starts difficult. There are tons of topics here discussing this. Use the search function and you will see the light.

Also, it might be worthwhile to run Techron to clean the injectors for a couple of tanks.

Have you done a PPI. These inspections ususally tell you in all details what is wrong with the car and what potential work should be performed.

BTW, where are you located?

Cheers,
Ingo

Regarding the play in the steering you should check the wheel bearings and the tie rod ends. If there is play in either that would cause the wobble.

thanks everyone for your replies, No Livi you need not be offended, I live in Devon in England and being country folk we are referred to as swedebashers by the rest of England so I use it as a forum name.
I will take a look at the car when the rain stops and see what I can do, I must admit I am use to modern cars but this little beauty certainly has got something not quite right as she wasn't like it until recently (I bought her about 8 months ago).

This is really a great site so I intend to stick around as the Porsche is for keeps :D

Please educate a durn forner. I am intrigued. What does it mean? Does it have anything to do with Swedes or does it refer to something else.

Edit: Most members know (or suspect) I hang around here for both technical, social and English education. ;)

And you do have pics of your car ?

A Swede is a vegetable grown in Devon (a type of parsnip), the term swedebasher implies that the people of Devon spend all day bashing these things as they have not got anything better to do, that is until their Porsches play up,:D . Hope this doesn't confuse you as much as it does me

As for the car http://img184.imageshack.us/img184/1138/mediabe2.jpg http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/7226/media12ld8.jpg

Thanks!

Looks great. Nice color.