Porsche 928 S4 – Owner’s Manual

 

Model Year

1987

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contents

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From the “Porsche 928 S4 Owner’s Manual”, available from 928 Specialists.

 

928 S4 page

 

John Pirtle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Break-in Hints for the first 1,000 miles/1,600 kilometers

 

There are no specific break-in rules for your Porsche.  However, by taking a few precautions you can help extend the service life and performance of your engine.

 

During the first 1,000 miles/1,600 km, all working components of the engine adjust to each other to a certain degree.  Therefore: Avoid full throttle starts and abrupt stops.  Change speeds frequently.  Vary the throttle load.

 

Do not exceed maximum engine speed of 5,000 rpm (revolutions per minute).

 

Do not run a cold engine at high rpm or in Neutral.

 

Do not let the engine labor, especially when driving uphill.  Shift to the next proper gear in time (use the most favorable rpm range).

 

There may be a slight stiffness in the steering, gearshifting or other controls during the break-in period which will gradually disappear.

 

Never lug the engine in high gear at low speeds.  This rule applies all the time, not just during the break-in period.

 

 

Breaking-in brake pads

 

Brake pads do not have maximum braking efficiency when the car is new.  Therefore, more pedal force is necessary during the first 100 to 150 miles/150 to 250 km.  This also applies to replacement brake pads.

 

 

Breaking-in new tires

 

New tires do not have maximum traction.  They ten to be slippery.  Break in new tires by driving at moderate speeds during the first 60 to 120 miles/100 to 200 km, and longer braking distances must be anticipated.

 

 

Engine Oil Consumption

 

During the break-in period oil consumption may be slightly higher than normal.

 

As always rate of oil consumption depends on the quality and viscosity of oil, the speed at which the engine is operated, the climate, road conditions as well as the amount of dilution and oxidation of the lubricant.

 

 

 

 

 

Engine Exhaust

 

WARNING

  • Engine exhaust is dangerous if inhaled.

 

  • Never start or let the engine run in a closed garage.  Never sit in your car for prolonged periods with the engine on and the car not moving.

 

  • Although exhaust fumes from the engine have many components which you can smell, they also contain carbon monoxide, which is a colorless and odorless gas.  Carbon monoxide can be fatal if inhaled.

 

  • If you smell gas fumes in the vehicle, drive with the windows open but keep the hatchback closed.  Have the cause immediately located and corrected.

 

  • Because of inherent hazards, we do not recommend transporting objects larger than those fitting safely into the luggage compartment.  Keep the hatchback closed while driving to prevent poisonous exhaust gas from being drawn into the vehicle.

 

  • Never carry additional fuel containers in your vehicle.  Such containers, full or partially empty, may leak, cause an explosion, or result in fire in case of a collision.

 

 

 

 

 

Fuel Economy

 

Fuel economy will vary depending on where, when and how you drive, optional equipment installed, and the general condition of your car.  A car tuned to specifications and correctly maintained, will help you get maximum fuel economy.

 

  • Have your vehicle tuned to specifications.
  • Fuel injection should be adjusted to specifications.
  • Spark plugs should be clean, properly gapped and fire efficiently.
  • Air cleaner should be dirt free to allow proper engine “breathing”.
  • Battery should be fully charged.
  • Wheels should be properly aligned.
  • Tires should be inflated at correct pressures.
  • Keep a light foot on the gas pedal.
  • Drive smoothly, avoid abrupt changes in speed as much as possible.
  • Avoid jack rabbit starts and sudden stops.
  • Do not drive longer than necessary in the lower gears.  Shifting up early helps to save fuel.
  • Avoid unnecessary idling.  Turn the engine off.
  • Prolonged “warm up” idling wastes gas.  Start the vehicle just before you are ready to drive.  Accelerate slowly and smoothly.
  • Any additional weight carried in the vehicle reduces fuel economy.  Always keep cargo to a minimum and remove all unnecessary items.
  • Organize your trips to take in several errands.
  • Use air conditioner only when needed.
  • All electrical equipment contribute to increased fuel consumption.

 

The EPA estimated m.p.g. is to be used for comparison purposes, actual mileage may be different from the estimated m.p.g., depending on your driving speed, weather conditions and trip length.  Your actual highway mileage will probably be less than the estimated m.p.g.

 

Please observe all local and national speed limits.

 

 

Fuel filler cap

 

The fuel filler cap is located under the flap in the rear quarter panel behind the right rear wheel.

 

When putting the cap back on the fuel filler neck, be sure cap is securely seated.  Twist cap counter-clockwise, until is stops with an audible click.

 

We recommend you turn off the engine when filling the fuel tank.

 

 

Fuel tank capacity

 

Fuel tank capacity is listed under “Filling Capacities”.

 

Porsche does not recommend the use of fuel additives.

 

If you lose your fuel filler cap, replace it immediately with a cap of the same design to reduce the possibility of a fire in a collision.

 

 

Fuel Recommendations

 

Your Porsche is equipped with a catalytic converter and must use UNLEADED FUEL ONLY.  Minimum octane rating is 95 RON/85 MON “Premium unleaded fuel” 990 CLC or AKI).  Federal low prohibits use of leaded fuel in this vehicle.

 

Regular unleaded fuel with a minimum octane rating of 91 RON / 82 MON (87 CLC or AKI) can be used temporarily, due to a built-in knock control, if premium unleaded fuel is not available.  In this case avoid full throttle operation.  The use of UNLEADED FUEL ONLY is critically important to the life of the catalytic converter.  Deposits from leaded gasolines will ruin the converter and make it ineffective as an emission control device.

 

Cars with a catalytic converter have a smaller fuel tank opening, and gas station pumps have smaller nozzles.  This will prevent accidental pumping of leaded fuel into cars with a catalytic converter.

 

Unleaded fuels may not be available outside the continental U.S. and Canada.  Therefore, we recommend you do not take your car to areas or countries where unleaded fuel may not be available.

 

 

Octane ratings

 

Octane rating indicates a gasoline’s ability to resist detonation.  Therefore, buying the correct octane gas is important to prevent engine “knock”.

 

The RON octave rating is based on the research method.  The CLC (U.S. Cost of Living Council octane rating) or AKI (antiknock index) octane rating usually displayed on U.S. gasoline pumps is calculated as research octane number plus motor octane number, divided by 2, that is written as:

 

RON+MON

or
R+M

2

2

 

The CLC or AKI octane rating is usually lower than the RON rating:

 

95 RON equals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90 CLC or AKI

 

 

WARNING

Do not use any unleaded fuel with octane ratings lower than 95 RON or 90 CLC or AKI.

 

Never carry additional fuel in portable containers in your car.  Such containers, full or partially empty, may leak, cause an explosion, or result in fire in case of a collision.

 

 

Gasolines containing alcohol

 

Gasoline containing alcohol is available at gas stations in some areas.  The gas pump may not be labeled to identify that alcohol is present in the gasoline.  If it is labeled, it may not identify what amount and type(s) of alcohol are used.  We recommend you do not use fuels where the alcohol content cannot be identified.

 

 

Gasolines containing methanol

 

Do not use fuels containing methanol (methyl alcohol, wood alcohol).  The use of fuel containing this type of alcohol can result in vehicle driveability and performance problems and may damage critical parts of your vehicle’s fuel and emission control systems.

 

 

Gasolines containing ethanol

 

A mixture of unleaded gasoline and ethanol (ethyl alcohol, grain alcohol) is sold in some areas.  This mixture is sometimes called “Gasohol”.  You may use gasohol in your Porsche, provided it contains no more than 10% ethanol, and the octane requirements for your vehicle are met.  However, we strongly recommend switching back to gasoline without ethanol, if you experience any of the following problems with your vehicle:

 

  • Deterioration of driveability and performance.
  • Substantially reduced fuel economy.
  • Vapor lock and non-start problems, especially at high altitude or at high temperatures.
  • Engine malfunction or stalling.

 

Continued use of gasohol under these conditions may cause costly damage to the fuel system and the emission control system of your vehicle.

 

 

 

 

 

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