Factors Responsible for Poor Engine Performance in Your Porsche

by admin January 24, 2022

Porsche is a luxury sports car with a reputation for a powerful engine and high performance. A poorly-performing engine is the last thing you want to experience on your drive. You expect maximum quality in terms of handling and horsepower when you are driving your Porsche.

Your car is bound to develop mechanical problems, in this case, poor engine performance. At a quick glance, it may not be pinned down on one particular cause, so you need a technician who is an expert at your Porsche model to diagnose the problem. When you experience poor engine performance, visit our qualified and reputable garage for proper diagnosis and repair. Let’s dive deeper into the possible causes.

A Fuel System Malfunction

If your car loses power when you accelerate, there is a possibility a fuel system malfunction is preventing a smooth flow of fuel to your engine to facilitate the acceleration of your vehicle. This could be as a result of a clogged fuel injector, leaking fuel line, fuel filter or fuel pump.

The fuel injector is responsible for spraying fuel into the combustion chamber. You will have several problems including poor engine performance when they get clogged or start to leak. The good news is they can be cleaned or serviced. A murky fuel filter will hamper the flow of fuel into the engine, causing the car to lose power or speed or cause a jerking motion when trying to accelerate. A failing fuel pump can also cause poor performance in your Porsche. Unfortunately, the pump is not serviceable and if it fails, then it must be replaced.

Digital motor electronics uses a relay that supplies power to the fuel pump when the car is running. This relay has been reported to cause problems due to solder joint issues. If the engine cuts out, stalls or completely stops then you can also check this relay. Make sure you visit a qualified mechanic to fix this problem early enough if you are experiencing it.

Dirty Air Filter

Dirty air filters, exhaust restrictions, and valve train wear are major contributors to poor engine performance. Air filters can pick up material with time and become clogged due to the nature of their function. When they clog, the engine struggles to pull air in. Less air equals less power. Any restrictions on the exhaust system mean there will be a reduced airflow and the performance will be affected.

Catalytic converters and mufflers could also fail and these changes could alter airflow. The valve train components wear over time. They facilitate the continuous opening and closing of the valves and as they wear, there is a possibility for the valve timing and valve lift to be reduced. Less valve lift and less duration lead to less airflow.

Less Compression in the Combustion Chamber

Issues related to compression are also a major contributor to power loss. For engines that have served for a long time, it can be a bit of a problem solving this issue because of the wear that has over time taken a toll on the internal metal components.

Piston rings will wear down with time and will allow some of the high-pressure air and fuel mixture combusting to pass by the pistons and travel along the cylinder walls and into the crankcase. This is the same pressure that is required to push the pistons. During the intake stroke, some air can escape as the piston travels up, meaning less compression. The intake valves might as well pick up carbon deposits that will prevent them from closing properly, this means that during the compression stroke air will move through the valve lowering compression.

Spark Problems

Carbon deposits on the piston in combination with general wear will reduce combustion and also affect the functioning of the engine. Carbon deposits will absorb fuel, resulting in an improper fuel-air mixture thus low power. Spark plugs will build deposits as time goes by causing misfiring. Worn out spark plugs will not ignite the fuel in the piston cylinder when they are supposed to. This can also be caused by a cracked distributor cap, spoiled spark plugs, or bad spark plug wires.

McIlvain Motors for your Porsche

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms with your car, don’t let the issue escalate to a worsening problem. Visit us at McIlvain Motors, serving Chandler, Mesa, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, AZ.

Experience our service, with over 100 years of combined workmanship from our exceptional staff. We are equipped with state of the art equipment to ensure the best of service for your Porsche. Visit us from Monday through Friday at 939 S 48th St #215, Tempe, AZ or call us today for an appointment.