Boxster 99 rattle, dark smoke, engine stopped, AAA

[Loren]

Misfires on specific cylinders (1 and 3) is not usually a MAF problem. Any MAF problem would affect all cylinders.

You need to check the electrical connection, and check the coil packs for cracks, and check to see that those two spark plugs are not cracked, damaged or loose.

[jmatta]

At this point, I think I'd find a qualified mechanic to look at my car, rather than risk even more damage. As mentioned earlier, seek Pedro at Pedro's Garage...don't think he's too far from you and certainly knows Boxsters.

[jackpjr]

Here is a short video of me starting the car. Listen for the backfire and listen for thw whinning it does after it shuts off. Does this sound familiar to anyone? I have visually checked the ignition coils and everything looks ok. I have taken #3 off and felt of #1 for any signs of issues. Should I just go ahead and start replacing sparkplugs, ignition coils or do any of you have an idea about this one?

Couldn't get the video to upload so it is on my youtube account - jax944 is my screen name if video link doesn't work.

Edited January 18, 2010 by Loren
made video viewable here

[Loren]

Check for fault codes?

[jackpjr]

Here are the codes it showed this time. Misfire and now a secondary air intake.

[jackpjr]

Well everyone I think my fun is over - The engine would not turn over and it was obvious that it was stuck and not turning. I flipped the switch a few times and then started but now has a very specific sounding of a rattle. I still unfortunately owe a significant amount on the loan so I cannot just ditch it yet. I will send it to a garage for a final diagnosis but I think I know the answer. Thank you all for all the help and support. If the engine is shot - I will get a new one and attempt to put it in myself. I feel defeated at this point but will keep trying.

Edited January 18, 2010 by jackpjr

[Loren]

P0410 Secondary Air Injection System - Signal Implausible (Cylinders 1 - 3)

P0300 Misfire Damaging to Catalytic Converter

P0302 Misfire, Cylinder 2, Damaging to Catalytic Converter

P0303 Misfire, Cylinder 3, Damaging to Catalytic Converter

Seems that all the problems are on the engine bank (cylinders 1-3).

Does the secondary air pump start when you start the car (cold)? If not check the connections and the fuse.

Possible causes:

- Wiring harness or fuse

- Relay

- DME control module

- Air supply lines

- Secondary air injection pump

- Electric change-over valve

- Air change-over valve

[txhokie4life]

Possible bank 1-3 is off timing.

there is a way to check this -- but if you are not comfortable doing this I would seek help.

To do this you would check to see if the exhaust camshaft is aligned north south when

the crankshaft is at TDC. There is a green plug at the end of the shaft.

unfortuntately the removal process is typically destructive to this cap.

They are inexpensive to replace.

I have not had a chance to listen to your video -- I will try to do that tonite.

Mike

[rprieto]

Based on the posted video/audio, I believe I can hear the Secondary Air Pump working. That "whine" is normal at cold start. Sounds like a vacuum cleaner. It goes away after a couple of minutes following start-up (cold).

Edited January 20, 2010 by rprieto

[Jake Raby]

The cam timing sounds like it is very off and the engine also sounds lean.

With the codes all being on bank one I'd start by pulling that cam cover and seeing whats inside, you'll probably find it fairly easy.

You aren't that far away from me :-)

[txhokie4life]

The first M96 I rebuilt -- I had the cam chain off a few teeth. (how I don't know

I was pretty sure I checked it -- and that's my story and I'm sticking to it :-)

Of course we didn't realize it at the time -- but it behaved just like you are

describing and like the video sounds. I don't remember the exact codes.

At first we couldn't get it to start, then when we did it had a hard time idling.

Devil of a time trying to figure out the cause. Finally my mechanic

tutor who is deaf felt that it was taking exhaust through the intake,

and the only way for that was if the timing was off.

We pulled the valve cover and discovered the error.

SOOO -- get this to a mechanic, check the timing, if off, find the cause and correct.

As jake said he is not that far away -- let him or someone else knowledgeable help you

-- I'm hoping you can salvage this relatively cheaply.

mike