Hello, brand new here. Wish I had known about this site years ago. I have a 1996 850 Turbo which, despite failure of everything from sunroof to AC to ABS, ran great. Two weeks ago, it began to sputter and stall after a few minutes of operation. Perhaps related to engine warming. Can't keep it running and the exhaust fumes, once it starts sputtering, are noxious.

I hate to just donate it, it'll be scrapped for parts, but it is in very good condition inside and out. Any ideas on where a restorer might want to take it for free or buy it for $100 or something. I need the garage space for a replacement vehicle.

Thanks for any thoughts.
Montgomery County, PA

 

That sounds like it would be pretty easy to address by somebody with a scan tool and ideally a nice running 850 for comparison. Having another car that runs well is like tripling your IQ.

so yes I think find somebody local that has an 850.

 

Sounds like you have fuel delivery issues - fuel pump, fuel pump relay etc. First test is to measure fuel pressure (target is 39 PSI at the rail) second is to test the fuel pump/relay (you can jumper the relay's two large spades to see if that keeps it running. Next thing I'd look at is the ECT sensor (located under the thermostat cover/top hose). There's also a fuel pressure regulator that is located under the intake manifold - pop off the vacuum line to see if any fuel leaks out.