dmw319

So I installed a new timing belt, balance shaft belt, water pump, plugs, wires, thermostat, and battery to my 87 944T over the weekend. When I went to go start it back up the car would not start. Starter was turning over but it was not getting any spark (coil does not have 12v). The fuel pump is not coming on and the tach was not bouncing at all either. I know that the DME relay is a common culprit for a problem like this, but is there any explanation as to why it would so coincidentally fail over the 2 days I was doing the work? Or could there be a better explanation to the problem and maybe it isn't the DME relay?

I have also read it could be the speed and reference sensors. But this makes no sense to me as I went no where near them. Again, I understand that they do fail randomly.. just seems too random in this case and that something else is the problem.. dunno?

carlege

wiggle the reference sensor wires. When was the last time they were replaced?

dmw319

I do not have any records that they have been replaced. I will try jiggling the wires I guess. Are they easier to reach from the top or bottom?

pnbell

Yea this sounds like the Reference Sensor wires for sure.

They are two black wires attached to the back of the Intake Manifold. Unplug and then Plug them back together...

Van

Jumper out the DME relay (do a little research) and see if it starts. If so, than either accept the coincidence or figure out why it fried.

If not, then figure out what needs to be replaced, and then determine if it was coincidence or if one of your repairs made an impact.

(Sure you have the spark plug wires in the right order??)

dmw319

Yep, quadruple checked to make sure the wires were in the right order. And even if they were wrong it wouldn't matter if they aren't getting spark.. haha. And it still wouldn't explain the fuel pump not working

I will try jumpering the DME and see what happens although I already ordered one from rennbay last night. I will also try to unplug/replug in the reference sensor wires.

Thanks everyone for your replies!

Hollywood D

If the dme relay is bad, the tach will still bounce while cranking. As far as I know, the only reason the tach won't bounce is because the reference sensors are bad.

dmw319

i keep hearing different things from different people. im going to jumper the DME when I get home. Ill post back up if it worked...

dmw319

Didnt work. Dme wasnt the problem

carlege

No success on jiggling the wires?

dmw319

Forgot to jiggle lol. Will go try that now

pnbell

its got to be the reference sensors! ha ha

dmw319

car started!! it was the top reference sensor! although it wasnt bad.. just loose. i think i must have accidentally pulled that wire just enough to break the connection when i was putting in plug #4.

next question.. do the belts make any noise after initial installation that will go away? its making a medium high pitch noise that sounds like a belt (maybe a sign its too tight?) although i followed the directions for tighening to a T. or maybe this just sounds normal? ive only had my car for like 3 weeks so i cant say it sounds odd.. just dont remember if i heard that sound before. also, what is that ticking? man its always something with these cars.. lol

here is the link:

John_AZ

Me too...

John

Van

Balance shaft belt might be too tight. That's an easy one to overtighten.