308QV Died | FerrariChat

308QV Died

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by bustedknuckle1, May 4, 2004.

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  1. bustedknuckle1

    bustedknuckle1 Rookie

    Feb 4, 2004
    32
    New Jersey
    Full Name:
    Frank Mummolo
    #1 bustedknuckle1, May 4, 2004
    Recently took delivery of an 84 308QV (30,000 miles) whose service records are incomplete, to say the least. For sure it needs a belt service, which is being scheduled.

    Driving the car the other day at highway speeds (European, not American), I noticed the car losing power as I accelerated from cruising speed. Once I backed off the throttle, it ran fine. Concerned that I was about to get stranded in a new (i.e., unfamiliar) car, I headed for home. As I exited the ramp and lifted my foot off the throttle completely to stop, it died. And for the next several hours would crank but not start.

    So I had the car towed home and sat it in the garage for two weeks, waiting for some routine maintenance parts (filters, etc). Meanwhile, I tried to start it just for kicks. And of course it started. I'm guessing a plugging fuel filter, but wanted to see what you guys thought. I know the "fuel and fire" routine, but haven't had time to diagnose more thoroughly. And after reading this site for a while, I'm pretty freaked out about some of the things that go wrong with these cars. My Porsche is bulletproof.

    Thanks for any help.

    Frank
     
  2. 308GTS

    308GTS Formula 3

    Dec 27, 2001
    2,223
    TN
    #2 308GTS, May 4, 2004
    A 308 isn't a Porsche. It is much better IMO. I prefer 308s much more. Could be many things, ignition, flywheel sensors, extenders, coils, etc. Best to first figure out if it is a fuel or ignition problem. These cars aren't idiot proof like other makes are.
     
  3. hoffmeister

    hoffmeister Formula Junior

    Nov 1, 2003
    258
    Baghdad...again
    Full Name:
    Jesse
    #3 hoffmeister, May 4, 2004
    Hello,

    I had this exact same problem in my 81' 308 about a week and a half ago. About a week previous to that I had a blown fuel pump and had to get a new one. Turns out the second time around, the fuel tank hoses were going bad and was causing black stuff to clog up the fuel pump and cause it to stop running on me just like you explained. I had the tanks cleaned and filters placed on new hoses to keep this from happening again. Hopefully I won't have this problem anymore, picking it up tomorrow afternoon.

    Good luck,

    Jesse
     
  4. bustedknuckle1

    bustedknuckle1 Rookie

    Feb 4, 2004
    32
    New Jersey
    Full Name:
    Frank Mummolo
    #4 bustedknuckle1, May 4, 2004
    Thanks, Jesse. Never thought about the fuel hose degradation possibility. I'll check it out.

    Let me know how you make out as well.

    Regards,

    Frank
     
  5. Mark 328

    Mark 328 Formula Junior

    Nov 6, 2003
    510
    Orange, Ca
    Full Name:
    Mark Foley
    #5 Mark 328, May 5, 2004
    There is a strainer in the fuel tank that strains the fule prior t oit leaving the fuel tank. My suggestion is that you remove the fitting at the fuel tank where the fuel pump hose attaches and clean the fuel tank strainer. (a deep 15/16 socket is required). A clogged strainer could cause missing and it will burn-out even a new fuel pump.

    Mark
     
  6. bustedknuckle1

    bustedknuckle1 Rookie

    Feb 4, 2004
    32
    New Jersey
    Full Name:
    Frank Mummolo
    #6 bustedknuckle1, May 7, 2004
    Thanks, Mark. I would not have thought of that. Well, this weekend will be the beginning of the troubleshooting. I'll do the filter and clean the strainer and see what we get.

    Regards,

    Frank
     
  7. gonzo350

    gonzo350 Karting

    Apr 3, 2004
    207
    Lafayette Indiana
    Full Name:
    Myles
    #7 gonzo350, May 8, 2004
    If you noticed black smoke as you were loosing power....try disconnecting your cold start valve......I had one that would stick open every once in a while......drove me nuts. Car would be fine one minute and complete choked with fuel the next. Just a thought.
     
  8. bustedknuckle1

    bustedknuckle1 Rookie

    Feb 4, 2004
    32
    New Jersey
    Full Name:
    Frank Mummolo
    #8 bustedknuckle1, May 9, 2004
    No, didn't see any smoke, but I wasn't really focused on that, either. I'll keep it in mind as I'm eliminating things.

    Thanks!
     
  9. Wayne 962

    Wayne 962 Formula Junior
    Rossa Subscribed

    Nov 27, 2003
    502
    #9 Wayne 962, May 11, 2004
    Proper fuel pressure is very important to these CIS cars. Check the control pressures in the system to make sure that your fuel pump / check valves / accumulator is working okay...

    -Wayne
     
  10. bustedknuckle1

    bustedknuckle1 Rookie

    Feb 4, 2004
    32
    New Jersey
    Full Name:
    Frank Mummolo
    #10 bustedknuckle1, May 11, 2004
    Thanks, Wayne. So far, I've replaced the fuel filter (which looks like it was never changed!) and checked the tank strainer (some debris).

    Car runs and drives OK, but I'm still suspicious. Don't have the apparatus to check the fuel pump delivery pressure, but I know a shop that does. Had this very problem on an 84 Alfa Spyder years ago and it drove me nuts until I figured it out. Car would run for a while and quit. Finally, the pump degraded to a point where it wouldn't run at all and that's how I found it.

    Thanks, Wayne, for the advice.
     
  11. Wayne 962

    Wayne 962 Formula Junior
    Rossa Subscribed

    Nov 27, 2003
    502
    #11 Wayne 962, May 11, 2004
    I'm not super-familiar with the CIS system on the later 308s, but the 911s have a check valve in the fuel pump that often fails, and a fuel accumulator that also fails. Both of these can cause vapor lock which results in a warm start problem...

    -Wayne
     
  12. hoffmeister

    hoffmeister Formula Junior

    Nov 1, 2003
    258
    Baghdad...again
    Full Name:
    Jesse
    #12 hoffmeister, May 12, 2004
    Finally got my car back. Turns out the fuel filter that sets in the gas tank? literally rotted away and swept thru the fuel system and most likely caused my first fuel pump to fail and caused the second one to block up. You can see where the end of it (picture is a little blurry) is broken off and should extend farther than what it is. I also have run thru 2 bottles of Techron additive and it's running great right now (crossing fingers). Just FYI.

    Jesse
     
  13. bustedknuckle1

    bustedknuckle1 Rookie

    Feb 4, 2004
    32
    New Jersey
    Full Name:
    Frank Mummolo
    #13 bustedknuckle1, May 13, 2004
    Jesse,

    Wow. That's really unnerving. Can you be any more specific on where this thing is located? I'd like to check mine as well. Figures I'd have a full tank of gas when I learn this!

    Regards,

    Frank
     
  14. 308GTS

    308GTS Formula 3

    Dec 27, 2001
    2,223
    TN
    #14 308GTS, May 13, 2004
    Drivers side tank at the bottom where the fuel comes from the tank to the fuel pump. The filter (screen) is actually inside the tank. It unscrews from the tank.
     
  15. bustedknuckle1

    bustedknuckle1 Rookie

    Feb 4, 2004
    32
    New Jersey
    Full Name:
    Frank Mummolo
    #15 bustedknuckle1, May 13, 2004

    Thanks!
     
  16. hoffmeister

    hoffmeister Formula Junior

    Nov 1, 2003
    258
    Baghdad...again
    Full Name:
    Jesse
    #16 hoffmeister, May 13, 2004
    Yep, exactly.

    What I found amusing was that once they fixed this particular problem, I asked them if they had checked the other fuel hoses and the crossover hose. They said, "Ok, we'll do that." Turns out the other hoses were rotted too and I had to wait another 2 days for them to order some metric hose. They called me up and said "Good thing you told us to check the other hoses." WTF? Wouldn't that just be obvious? Oh well, seems to be running smooth now...(knock on wood).

    Jesse
     
  17. bustedknuckle1

    bustedknuckle1 Rookie

    Feb 4, 2004
    32
    New Jersey
    Full Name:
    Frank Mummolo
    #17 bustedknuckle1, May 14, 2004
    Glad to hear things are looking good w/your car. But that fuel hose story! I thought we pay mechanics for THEIR advice.....this is a strange world, this F-car place. I am a long-time German car owner and this is going to take some getting used to.

    BTW, I've scheduled my car for a cam belt service next week, so your advice is timely. I'll have them do a thorough inspection while it's in the shop.

    Regards,

    Frank
     
  18. bustedknuckle1

    bustedknuckle1 Rookie

    Feb 4, 2004
    32
    New Jersey
    Full Name:
    Frank Mummolo
    #18 bustedknuckle1, Jul 6, 2004
    Just thought I'd post a word on the "dead" QV. It seems it turned out to be a fuel filter problem, as all other vital signs were normal and the car has run great since its recent service. Just spent the 7/4 weekend in New Hope and it performed flawlwssly! Thanks to all for the advice and suggestions.
    Enjoy the summer drive time!

    Frank
     

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