Engine Sputtering, dying out with no warning HELP!!!

[Oi-Punx]

I was on my way to work this morning when the car started acting really funny. Upon accelerating from a standstill the clutch would seemingly not grab, the motor would lose power, rpm's would drop and the engine would sputter. I upshifted into 2nd and the car would accelerate slowly, shaking forward and back violently until I upshifted yet again. A few times on my 9 mile commute the car stalled and I was forced to pull over. The idle was fluctuating between 1000 and 500 rpms, yet at other times was completely smooth until the clutch was disengaged and I started to accelerate at which time the problem repeated itself effectively making the car undriveable. The car would not accelerate at all two lights before I got to work. I revved the engine to about 5k rpms and easily let out the clutch and was able to make it. The funny thing is is that the car gave no signs of this deviant behavior until 5 minutes into my commute this morning. I use it every day and it was running silky smooth up until that point. The car has 20k on a new clutch, belts, with 96.7k altogether.


Anyone have any insight as to what the problem might be?

Thanks!

[Eturbo924]

When you had the clutch replaced did you upgrade to the 944 turbo spring centered one?

Not sure, but it sounds like the rubber center has let go. My friends 944 S2 did a very similar thing when his clutch went. Of course it could just be that you have some kind of engine issue, but from what you describe... clutch not grabbing and then engine bucking and such... sounds like torn rubber center. Get it checked right away. If it is... make sure you upgrade this time.

Eric

[Oi-Punx]

I just spoke with the mechanic who worked on the car (Porsche/VW/Audi specialist). After I gave him a description of the problem he said it sounded like a connection within the electrical system somewhere that is not connected properly or got loose somehow. He was doubtful of a drivetrain or engine problem

I'm not positive, but I think that the clutch put in 20k ago was the new spring centered type. Normally shifting and power delivery are extremely smooth.

[944jeff]

You may want to rule out the DME (fuel pump) relay. Your description is basically what I experienced a few month ago. Has yours been replaced lately? This is a maintenance item and worth replacing if it hasn't.

Jeff

[Blackfoot]

hey oi, i was thinking more along the lines of water/crud in the tank. was by chance your fuel level low when this happened?

[Oi-Punx]

Thanks Guys.

Jeff, I went out to the parking lot and started the car. It started normally and then died. I then pulled the fuel pump relay and the contacts looked good. I shook it and it was intact. I put it back and the car started up after about 3 tries and some initial hesitation. It was idling and revving normal. Should I replace the relay???


Black, Good to see you are still on these boards. My tank is 3/4 full of Chevron Supreme. Hmmm... I wonder how the fuel filter looks.

[javier]

Oi...

yes, replace the relay. It's a low cost/great result's, investment that 98% of the time, is the needed fix.

If ya do it, write the replacement date somewhere on the relay with a sharpie pen. I think most here on the board would agree that three to five years is all you get from a DME relay before they begin to get buggy.

[maachan]

Hi,

I had some hesitation problem before and that was due to worn distributor cap and rotor. You may want check those after you replace your DME relay.

My experience with bad DME relay is either the car run or don't run. There was no hesitation problem.

Good luck,

Maachan

[P944stud]

I was having that same problem, thought it might be a sensor or something. I pulled out the fuel screen which is located underneathe the little panel where the fuel pump is. It is screwed into the fuel tank near the bottom. When I pulled it out and looked at it I was amazed any fuel was getting through it at all. Remember your tank should be almost empty (running on fumes) cause all that gas is going to come pouring out when you undue the fuel hose going to it. Maybe change your fuel filter as well.

[thamlin000]

My vote, DME relay. I had the same symptoms 6 months ago and a new relay fixed the problem.

[Eturbo924]

Question first. have you washed your engine recently or has it been really damp in your area?
Reason I ask.
Throttle switch. It enriches the fuel mixture on initial start and acceleration. If you get water in the switch the engine will not rev up and some times it will not run at all. Try drying the switch out with compressed air.... carefully of course.

Eric