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Re: So it begins
Posted: Sat Apr 25, 2026 8:42 am
by neilbardsley
Bad fuel was initially my idea. For the first time I put E100 in but it ran great for 90-120 mins afterwards. Bad fuel wouldn't explain 2 cylinders running well.
1) We are now about 90 mins bus ride from the car. I'm in half a mind to go back and do a full service. Valves and oil. Swap the carbs too see if it's the issue. That said I'm having to work on it on a road beside the garage. I just remembered it's the weekend so they aren't open. That said I think I reached the limit of my spares.
2) Let the breakdown people recover it
3) come back home on a plane and then beg/borrow a trailer and bring it home myself.
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Re: So it begins
Posted: Sat Apr 25, 2026 10:09 am
by SeanP
I would suggest that you check the float and needle valve in the carb of the 3 and 4 side. White smoke is normally a sign that it is running very rich.
Re: So it begins
Posted: Sat Apr 25, 2026 10:21 am
by chris68
There's a Porsche Club, Croatia. Wonder if they know anyone that could help you out?
Re: So it begins
Posted: Sat Apr 25, 2026 10:29 am
by Bootsy
Great idea
Re: So it begins
Posted: Sat Apr 25, 2026 11:13 am
by neilbardsley
SeanP wrote:I would suggest that you check the float and needle valve in the carb of the 3 and 4 side. White smoke is normally a sign that it is running very rich.
The unresponsive cylinders are are different backs of the carbs. My working guess is that one cylinder went and then as I continued another side was damaged.
I've tried contacting someone on FB. I can't find any 356 registry members in Croatia.
Strangely someone else was suggesting a lean condition but it hard to eGuess these problems
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Re: So it begins
Posted: Sat Apr 25, 2026 12:03 pm
by KS
If it's running very lean, the plug core will be white or very pale grey.

Re: So it begins
Posted: Sat Apr 25, 2026 2:29 pm
by neilbardsley
I should of taken a photo. Might of been normal to rich
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Re: So it begins
Posted: Sat Apr 25, 2026 6:39 pm
by neilbardsley
Still feeling a bit down but struggling through with a Tuna Steak and good wine
https://youtube.com/shorts/mrfCm3Q9aP0? ... b91faa.jpg[/IMG]
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Re: So it begins
Posted: Sat Apr 25, 2026 7:12 pm
by jb
So sorry to hear of your misfortune.
Really enjoyed your posts
A really memorable adventure none the less
Can’t help thinking that you would be better off in a 911.
They are very difficult to break, and fun too.
Best wishes for the trip home
Re: So it begins
Posted: Sat Apr 25, 2026 8:30 pm
by jeremyg
Very bad luck Neil and Jakki. If your insurance covers it, get the car repatriated, try and put the bad experience behind you and continue your holiday with a small hire car - and enjoy it! My 993 suffered a similar fate, but we had a good time nevertheless.
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Re: So it begins
Posted: Sun Apr 26, 2026 6:58 am
by 911hillclimber
Good advice above I think.
When my Boxster had a wobble in Austria a few years ago this was one option, but good fortune save the day.
The more modern the car the better, but get the car on its way back and move one for the holiday.
Start planning the fixes when back!
Re: So it begins
Posted: Sun Apr 26, 2026 8:25 pm
by neilbardsley
Cruise on the sea today with a Polish hen party from Ireland
https://youtube.com/shorts/EpxYBxBIkvo? ... 2yzDGZgl9Z
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Re: So it begins
Posted: Sun Apr 26, 2026 8:30 pm
by Sam
My next door neighbour keeps Polish hens. They have hair like Don King.
Re: So it begins
Posted: Sun Apr 26, 2026 9:50 pm
by 911hillclimber
The 356 engine is a basic unit?
There must be a garage that can do basic work?
Ie a Classic car specialist?
Re: So it begins
Posted: Mon Apr 27, 2026 7:52 am
by neilbardsley
Maybe some people in the capital 200-300k away but no spares here.
I've tried to contact someone and asked on the 356 registry. No luck yet
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