It’s a familiar scenario for owners of European cars in the United States: navigating the nuances of Euro specifications. Recently, a customer with an ’84 Euro Porsche 928 experienced a frustrating and expensive problem highlighting the critical importance of understanding these differences, especially when it comes to parts and service in the US market.
The owner’s original LH fuel injection module failed after a substantial $5000 service at a repair shop. Adding to the trouble, a used replacement module also failed within six months. Upon inspection, the cause was traced to burned-out power transistors in the LH module – an unusual failure. Before rebuilding the module, we advised the customer to meticulously check the fuel injectors and wiring harness for any faults.
The inspection uncovered a surprising error: the fuel injectors had a resistance of only 3.2 – 3.3 Ohms, drastically lower than the expected 16 Ohms for a Euro LH system. Part number verification revealed the shop had installed incorrect fuel injectors, specifically those designed for a US L-Jet system, not the Euro LH system that the ’84 Porsche 928 required. These wrong injectors, with their lower resistance, caused excessive current flow into the LH module, leading to the failure of two modules. Installing another module without correcting this issue would have resulted in repeated damage. The excessive current could also potentially damage the fuel injection wiring harness.
This case underscores a crucial lesson for anyone owning or servicing a Euro-spec Porsche 928, particularly models from the ’84-’86 era. When having your Euro 928 serviced, ensure the repair shop fully understands the distinctions between US and Euro versions. For DIY enthusiasts sourcing parts, always confirm with your vendor that you require components for a Euro model, specifying the correct part numbers. For Euro 928 injectors, the correct part number is 928.606.119.00 (Bosch P/N 0280.150.252). Using the wrong parts can lead to significant and preventable expenses.
Here’s an additional tip relevant to ’84 – 86 Euro 928 models, often imported to the US: these models utilize a unique distributor system comprised of two 4-cylinder distributors linked together by a belt driven from the main rotor shaft. If this belt breaks, the engine will operate on only four cylinders. More critically, unburnt fuel can ignite in the exhaust system, creating a fire hazard. If you experience a sudden and significant power loss in your ’86 Euro Porsche 928 or similar model, immediately shut off the engine and have it towed. Do not attempt to drive the vehicle further to prevent potential engine damage or fire. Understanding the specific nuances of your ’86 Euro Porsche 928, compared to US models, is key to maintaining its performance and avoiding costly repairs.
