Help Required - Rough running

[Expatboy]

You may recall my previous post about my OPC keeping my car for four months, awaiting parts from the Fatherland. Well it returned with its' Targa roof fixed and working perfectly. Car had trouble starting though as it had been off the road for four months, so they kept it for a couple of extra days and changed the DME relay (replaced the original 964 part number DME with the updated 993 model).

Drives ok round town but once you floor it, in any gear (it's a Tip- I know) it reaches about 4000rpm and just stays there, lots of small backfires from the rear.

Returned it to OPC within one week, they kept it for another week and diagnosed fuel problems. Replaced fuel filter, fuel pump and all 12 plugs, all expensive items for a 1996 911. I have had it for a week and it is still playing up. Floor it and it just struggles at around 4000rpm. Tried it in manual and the same thing. Think I got a speeding ticket yesterday as I went past a radar at 140 kph which is about top speed trying to get it to go faster. In neutral though no problem with revving it way past 4000 rpm.

Anyway it's booked in to OPC next week and I know they are going to ask me "what's wrong". As a non-technical bloke what should I tell them to look at next? Don't fancy another huge bill for stuff that does not need replacing. My gut feeling is dirty fuel injectors as it has now down 100,000 kms and I'm running it on 95 RON. Only stuff available. Tried fuel injector cleaner, no improvment though.

Any help much appreciated.

[Expatboy]

Well a bit more research on t'internet says try, in no order of success:
1. Check fault codes 9101 9122 9142 9143
2. Check cam control valve
3. Check for vacuum boost leak
4. Check MAF sensor

Seem to becoming a bit more knowledgeable on my own then.

[Expatboy]

Thanks guys, will put all that on my list when it goes in Sunday. Will keep you informed of progress. Good job we just got paid our 2013 bonus. I know I get free petrol but the wine out here is very expensive.

[Expatboy]

Thanks for the tips, just been to the car park to see if I can hear a clack. 22c and sunny, no-imobiliser in my car, just turned the key to position 1, no sound of a clack. Tried a couple of times to make sure.

It is safe to drive? Just had my second car back from its' service yesterday, new plugs, oil change and pads replaced, and it is now misfiring too so it has just gone back in as well.

Begining to wish I had not bothered with this servicing malarky

[Expatboy]

On my way...funny have to wear a jacket in the office (fierce AC) and take it off to go outside, now where are my sun glasses.

[Expatboy]

Yep its a 1996 varioram. Well turned key to position 2, heard a gentle 'click' from under front bonnet RHD side. Repeated it a couple of times, just a gente 'click' each time.

Then started car, no problems, idles great. Turned off no loud clacking noise.

Was worried about driving it if there is a distributor belt problem?

[Expatboy]

New fuel in tank (we make it). I filled it up when I collected it end of February.

[Expatboy]

Yes, returned it to position 2, just the gentle click under the bonnet. OPC is five minutes away but will not do anything until Sunday which leaves me stuck without a car for the weekend. Will nurse it home to the villa tonight and use our bus service into work tomorrow.

Will brief you all once the OPC has looked at it.

[Expatboy]

'seismological interpretation'. Lol, my son does that but he's in UK, local 'indy' is away at the moment. Might try and borrow a pool car for the weekend. Will remind the OPC of my good service on Sunday, there is an expat in the organisation somewhere, usually in glass fronted office behind the coffee machine and leather sofas.

[Expatboy]

OPC's considered opinion is that I have dirty injectors, they are giving them a clean and see how it runs. Also getting a quote for replacment bits in case cleaning does not do the business. Hopefully a cheap visit this time?

[Expatboy]

So finally picked it up, it was dirty injectors, runs fine now, all for a shade under £200, phew. Ready for a weekend spin round the island with the roof open. F1 next week too and the sun is out again. Tough life in the Gulf.

[Expatboy]

Yep, looks like it's down to me, the chaps and chapesses stoking the furnaces. Only sell petrol to our local market and only up to 95 RON, no detergents addedd or so I'm told.