Hi guys, I’m new to Ferrari ownership, I’ve had my 81’ 308 gtsi for a couple of months and it’s been great until now. it’s backfiring, misfiring and running so rich it makes your eyes burn, it’s a us spec car which may or may not make a difference. it’s low on power and seems to have spark on all the cylinders so I’m not sure if it’s a fuel distributor issue but it’s a random occurrence thanks Alex
See if you’re dropping a bank of cylinders. Let it sit in cool down. Then start it and let it run for a minute and shut it back off. Then CAREFULLY Touch each exhaust header and make sure they are warm. If either one is cool, you’re only firing on one bank of cylinders. Another telltale sign is that your rubber intake boot will be dripping of gasoline.
I’m getting both banks firing as when I pull off the ignition coil leads it drops down onto one, and all the cylinders have spark but im not sure if it’s too weak or if it’s just a fuel issue
The fact that three of the four branches are getting hotter makes me think it’s running too rich or too lean
If that last photo is of your header? Don’t run the vehicle until you get this sorted. Huge potential for a fire. I make a pretty lousy mechanic so Best to wait for others to chime in. https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/posts/140632355/
Are you saying that the problem comes and goes suddenly and randomly? Also, are both banks of headers glowing?
Headers glowing red? For God's sake stop driving it and get someone with some tools to figure it out. You have excess fuel in the header. You need to run some fuel pressure test using CIS gauges and go on from there.
You can get misfiring from a coil breaking down but usually the car will start fine from cold, then after a few miles down the road it will start misfiring as one of the coils warm up and breaks down. U can normally feel the difference in temp of the coils. Otherwise you may have problems with the fuel distributor needing a repair kit, available on e bay. Look on the side of the distributor for a bosch id plate so you get the right kit. These are fitted on volvo so easy to find. If engine misfire, check the engine sump oil to see if oil level is increasing or you can smell fuel on the dip stick- as it misfires the unburnt fuel goes past the piston rings into the sump. Oil will need changing as diluted with fuel. Distributor repair kit is a diy job if so inclined.
My first reaction is an obstruction in the exhaust - collapsed muffler or Cat converter. 2nd reaction is retarded timing which can also cause it. MIGHT be fueling but, IMHO, it is less likely that the Kjet suddenly went awry than the other two.
Agreed. And also as others have suggested check the coils. One of mine was firing intermittently - replaced it and it’s SOLID.
