Newbie~ Help needed plzzzz Weird issue w/87' 928

[Sexy928Porsche]

Hello,

I have a 1987 928 S4 and it has some weird problems...

First off here is some info on it:

Currently has 70,527 original miles
Auto Transmission
PO had it sitting for 5 yrs before he sold it to me
I already knew at time of purchase it had minor probs (brake sensors, abs speed sensor, tail light, horn, small ding near rear fender..no biggie),..

I purchased it at 69,527 (1,000 miles ago) and strangely, it decided to "break down". No probs driving it the first 1,000 miles.. I knew it needed a tune up badly, so I got one done, new water pump, belts, the works for a tune up.

Well, here's the problem, a few weeks ago I took a 50 mile trip to a friends house (all highway), I noticed when it went up hills it would decrease speed and not accelerate, down hill no prob. Had a full tank of gas..still does...not cheap gas either..well I managed to get the car to my friend's house and as soon as I parked her, she started shaking/trembling very badly during idle..(aprox 900-1000 rpms)..then I smelled smoke and then saw dark grey smoke coming out of the shifter area. No smoke out of the tail pipe (except your normal cold start exaust...when I start her..after warm up nothing)...so I turned her off and left her there.

Once a week I go to start her up just to get the "juices" flowing..well, now she's having a prob starting...I turn the key, attempts to start then nothing, I now find myself stepping on the gas to start it.

Well, I've gotten some suggestions..one..clogged CATS, two..ICV, three fuel pump..i have no clue. I'd like to get her fixed so I can enjoy her the rest of the summer..but it looks like I can't.

Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!

Thanks,

Jennie

[Herr-Kuhn]

Jennie...this could be just about anything. You should start by checking the basics...fuel, spark and compression. Then move onto the more serious stuff. It could be a faulty MAF sensor. Cats could be to blame, but this is not likely. Call me crazy, but could it be possible one or both of your cam gears have jumped a tooth? (I notice you said you had a belt done recently). Feel free to contact me for further suggestions. I'm in the Cincinnati area. If you are nearby I would be happy to look at the car.

[bjenkins]

There is a temp II sensor at the front of the engine. I have heard it will sometimes cause such problems. Perhaps remove the connector and jump the sensor/switch and see if that helps. If it does, the sensor is probably bad.

[Rich9928p]

There can be many potential causes. The previous posters have good suggestions ... Temp II sensor and MAF are common problems. I'll add another possibility.

The LH fuel injection controller (1987 - 1995) will fail with many symptoms.

With the MAF and LH, the quickest and best way to eliminate or prove them as a problem is to "borrow" known good parts from another 928 (for this test, any 1987 - 1995 MAF and LH will work) - install them one at a time. If the problem is cured and the engine runs better, you've found the problem.

Good luck,
Rich

[rhjames]

Jennie-

Aside from the electronic maybe-s of previous posts, have you:

1.changed the fuel filter?
2.changed the timing belts--or just the drive/fan belts (in your "tune up")
3.checked engine (distributor) timing?
4.checked the fuel lines (clear and not collapsed-there are several rubber fuel lines, from tank to engine-return to tank)?
5.bad gas?
6.vacuum lines, vacuum lines, vacuum lines?
7.that flappy valve adjustment/problem?

Your issue seems to be more of under engine load, rather than just cruising. Does it do this when you're on level ground, standing on the throttle?

Many places to look, but keep looking. You've got a great car (looks great , too-just like you), just keep after it.

Keep us "posted"

RJames