86_951_

I've got a 86 944 Turbo that is well maintained and runs really well. Last fall in October I had my first no start condition. I had driven the car about 7 miles, turned it off, got back in 15 minutes later and it wouldn't start. The starter would turn the engine over again and again, but no ignition at all. After trying for a few minutes, I let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Then tried again. This time it started right up. Maybe it took an extra crank or two.

I drove to my mechanic who could not duplicate the issue. He suggested the DME and gave me a new one for when it happens again.

It didn't happen for a couple of months or so. When it did, I swapped out the DME, but that didn't make a difference. Again, I tried for a while, then gave up and let it sit. When I tried again later, it started.

My mechanic now says that it's the fuel pump, that a valve in it must be getting stuck and the fuel leaks all the way back to the tank. (I'm paraphrasing) He suggests replacing the pump with one from a 928, just in case I want to keep on tweaking later.

Meanwhile, my no start condition is beginning to happen more frequently. About once every two weeks or so. That's a lot for a car that only gets driven once a week. It has never failed to start completely. If I leave it for 10 minutes or so, it will start right up.
For now.

So, does this ring a bell with anyone? Do you agree that the fuel pump is the likely culprit?

Thanks for reading this far.

Bill

John_AZ

When you have the "no start" does the tach bounce a tiny bit? Indicates the sensors are working.

Take a look at the wiring of the reference sensors. Check for cracks in the wires and then go to the connector at the back/top of the engine. Clean the connectors and maybe add a dab of diaelectric grease. Regap the sensors.

Since you have a new DME relay and it does not help, you may need new sensors. Has the car been harder to start and does it take longer? Again, usually old sensors. There are less expensive interchanges available from Paragon.

GL
John _AZ
1988 924S 59K + 1987 924S 112.9K DD
1979 924 + 1977.5 924 + 1970 914 1.7 ++++====gone, past tutors

944Ross

Anytime I hear these symptoms, on any EFI car, I suspect a fuel pump that's getting worn out. I suspect it's that the motor's brushes get worn and get cocked now and then, or don't extend enough to make good contact, who knows. It seems like every time someone has these symptoms, within a short time (2 - 3 months) the car goes to total no-start and it's the fuel pump.

p2ii

Where is the reference sensor located?

86_951_

All gauges are normal when the car is a "no start". Tach moves as it should when starting.