87 3.2 engine hesitation
 

Good afternoon folks,

Started experiencing hesitation with my stock 87 3.2 coupe recently. The symptom is best described as if some is jerking the brakes on and off while driving low speed.

I am not sure if this is related but a few months back, I experienced once the tach needle bouncing up and down between idle and approximately 2k rpm. I turned off the ignition and that symptom with the tach has not been duplicated to date.

Back to the symptom of engine "hesitation" also loss of power...before it was sporadic now it is like 50/50 chance...

My first instinct was to contact my Dad and brother who are both VW/Porsche gearheads for advise...both have suggested to me that I approach it with "K.I.S.S." I agree...

Started with swapping DME relay with the spare in the glove box...initially I was able to drive it for over 50 miles without any of the hesitation symptoms I previously described. Then again this morning the symptom manifested after an early morning drive of about a mile...now back to square one with diagnosing this issue and eventually finding a fix.

I have access to the Bentley manual, factory service manuals and last but not least the PelicanParts community. Where do I start?

Allen

If you see it related to the tach bounce, then I'd suspect the speed and reference sensors. If the tach holds steady during this, I'd suspect air flow meter worn tracks or cracked solder joints on the DME. All the above can be searched here for a lot of results.

Chuck.H
'89 TurboLookTarga, 374k miles

Ditto

Chuck.H & Tippy...the tach holds steady, so I will explore the AFM and look for worn tracks AND/OR pop out the front driver seat and take a look inside the DME for possible cracks in the solder joints. Will keep you posted. Thank you.

Allen

Do check that the idle switch is where it should be. I'd make sure the ICV is nice and clean'lub'd. Checking/cleaning the AFM is prudent. All K.I.S.S.

Best,

Doyle

5/16 update
 

The symptoms have not manifested since 4/9 PM to date...It has been driving well without the hesitation described before....knock on real wood...PLUS had to first mend & attend to the better half's daily ride (2006 MCS JCW GP)...then back to the "911 to do list"real soon...

Thanks Louie...will add the O2 check in the list as you suggested...

Thanks Doyle...will also add the idle switch, ICV cleaning/lube with the AFM/AFS task and K.I.S.S. method :)

Allen