Kevin Michael

Hello all,
I am a member of the list, but have hardly ever asked a question here. I have a 911 sc 1981. I just bought it and it was a garage queen and was not driven for several months. It will not start unless I give it a shot of starting fluid through the airbox. Then it will idle roughly for 10-15 mins. and smooth out, but is way down on power. Almost like it is starving for fuel. I can turn it off and it will restart immediately every time . If I try to start it the next day, I have to repeat the process. Do you now what I should check next? I am dying to experience the 911, and they say the 3.0 liter is a good place to start!
Thankyou, Kevin

theiceman

A problem like this may be tricky. Unless you have some test equipment it will be hard to determine cold pressure etc. I would wonder about the fuel pump only because it comes up a lot it seams but you would have to check fuel pressure to start. At least thst is where I would start, fuel pressure, cold temp sensor connected to the cold start valve. I am sure way more experienced guys could chime in here.

Bill Gregory

Kevin,

Recommend you buy a copy of Bosch Fuel Injection and Engine Management by Charles Probst or How to Tune and Modify Bosch Fuel Injection by Ben Watson. As theiceman pointed out, a fuel pressure gauge would be a big help in focusing your attention. The Probst book is more detailed than Watson's book, however, they both adequately cover CIS fuel injection issues. If you like to do your own work, another book to consider, if you don't have it already, is the Bentley 911SC Service Manual, which you can buy for around $75 through the internet.

Kevin Michael

Thankyou or your response, Iceman. BTW my 911 is the same color as your car.

theiceman

Yeah but does it have the advanced rear deck lid strut mine does..

Kevin Michael

thanks, Bill. I forgot I had the probst book! Iceman, I have a very similar decklid support. IT doubles as a floor sweeping device!

TAREK

It would be interesting to know if by connecting the fuel pump directly to the battery, the car would start without the need for starter fluid. There is a possibility there is a blockage somewhere, which can cause the problem to deteriorate. I am currently suffering from a plugged WUR possibly due to a problem that started it out similiraly...after a long time of sitting

dependencies

Hockey stick....




fantastic, well done

Kevin Michael

Tarek, I would be interested in trying this as well, I am an experienced wrench with my 928's, but am reluctant to admit I would like to know how to access the 911's fuel pump. I have not spent a lot of time with trying to find it but a tip or two will make it easier when I do go to work on it. Thanks, Kevin

Kevin Michael

Just checked the car and after I get it running the o2 sensor light on the dash stays lit, any connection to the problem?

rbcsaver

Before you start chasing parts, and considering your statement that the car had been stored for months, are you using the same gas that was in the car when you got it? Todays gasoline can turn to a crappy gunk when stored. I would try a tank of fresh gas, a new gas filter and a bottle of Techron fuel systen/injector cleaner. You may also try cleaning the AFM with intake cleaner with the cat running.
regards,
Steve

jesset100

Hope this helps

TAREK

Kevin,

Ditto regarding experience with 928's and being a novice on 911's. Fuel pump is under the tank in front. Remove the metal cover and you should see it right there. Try to drain the old fuel from the tank first. You'll surprised at the amount of dirt that collects in there. There s a drain plug for the tank, but I was never brave enough to open it, plus it looks it requires a special tool. I pulled the fuel return line when I had to do it. You might want to use berryman cleaner or similar product in the tank if the car sat for a long time. If you remove the level sender from th etop of tank and have a good light, you should be able to visually identify problems.

I had similar symptoms until I jumped teh pump directly one day and the problem never happened again...well it materialized elsewhere, through a plugged Warm-up Regulator....so do catch your problem before turning into a frustrating troubleshooting exercise.

Take that out of the equation, and invest in a CIS pressure guage so you can troubleshoot following the chart posted above

Good luck

Kevin Michael

thanks for the chart! I am definately saving that one. Something interesting today as I removed the air cleaner and lifted up slightly on the sensor plate lever (updraft) and had a buddy crank it over ,she fired immediately and idled beautifully as long as I kept slight pressure upwards on the lever. Leads me to believe not enough fuel pressure on the plunger? I looked for a sensor plate adjustment(air/fuel) but found nothing. Maybe that is only on the downdraft version of the C.I.S. systems? I could replace pump and wur, but what's the fun in that? BTW, the tank is cleaned and freshly fueled. Any ideas?
Thank you, Kevin

Clipboard

I'd suggest buying a real good CO2 fire extinguisher about now. Might come in handy soon.
john