New 951 owner introduction + a question

[Matt.S_951]

Hi all,

My name is Matt, and as of last Saturday, I am the proud owner of a mint, 67k mile, red, 1987 944 Turbo. The car has been well taken care of by its first two owners, a father and son. I drove it 500 miles home the day after I bought it with no issues.

I am an automotive engineer. I plan on doing all of my own maintenance and upgrades.

I've already ordered replacement parts for the couple of

I had a question. I'm sure there will be many more to come.

When I start the car from cold, it takes a few seconds to start, and then has a heavy vibration for about 4 seconds. Once this stops it idles well. Once warm, it starts right up with no vibration. I inspected my belts today, and noticed that the balance belt was not as tight as the timing belt (I have new parts on their way for a full belt and roller refresh). What could be the cause of this vibration? Or is it normal?

Thanks.

[Travis84]

I would check to see if your fuel pressure is bleeding down after the car is shut off. Hook up a fuel pressure gauge, run the car for a minute then shut it off and log if and how long it takes for fuel pressure to drop. If it drops down, it will take longer to start and run crappy for a few seconds while it rebuilds fuel pressure and purges air from fuel lines. The pump only runs during cranking and engine running, so the pump doesn't prime when the key is switched on like modern cars.

[TrailRider]

Nice car, and welcome! Glad to hear you plan to do your own wrenching! And, you are already going to do the timing belt... sounds like you will treat that 951 well.

The balance belt should be a little less tight than the timing belt so probably not a problem there. Also, if the vibration is only for 4 seconds the balance belt is probably not the source of the problem.

I'm not really sure what else it would be... perhaps you could record it through a youtube video.

Mike

[Matt.S_951]

Travis,

I think you might be on to something. I noticed a gas smell in the garage today, so I have a feeling there is a small gas leak somewhere between the fuel pump and the injectors. I'll pick up a fuel pressure gage to confirm.

Any ideas where the leak might be?

[DannoXYZ]

Could be in the short-elbow hose at the front of the fuel-rail. Would be a VERY good idea to replace all of the rubber fuel-hoses.