VWGUYGOESPORSCHE

Well guys, I have been diligent in trying to get my 81 928 running correctly and I had to order a few parts. Since I was down a little waiting for parts I thought I would start inspecting everything and came upon this hot mess. I saw what looked like an exposed wire coming out of the box and realized it really was a hot mess! Has anyone seen or had this problem? Am I looking at a big problem like having to replace the harness or can this be simplified. Can anyone guide me what this part of the electrical system this is for? I am new to this car and learning on a daily basis. I appreciate any and all suggestions in advance. Thanks! Steve

rjtw

Steve, that’s the engine harness that feeds the starter and alternator, along with a few other things like the cold start valve. That harness supplies all power to the rest of the car when the engine is running.

You need to replace it. Contact Roger (928sRus) who sells Sean’s harness which is a drop in fit and as good as or better than factory. The factory harness on our cars isn’t even available any more.

Here’s a picture of one of Sean’s harnesses.

rjtw

By the way, you may want to consider replacing the entire front harness as well -- inspect it and see. The front harness connects to the central electrical panel under the passenger footwell, feeds through the firewall to the 14-pin connector (which connects to the engine harness), and feeds down along the passenger fender and across the front finally reaching the driver's side. This harness feeds the headlights, washer pumps, water/coolant level senders, radiator temp sender, headlight motor, and also connects to the famous "green wire" from the distributor as well as the TsZ ignition control unit mounted in the passenger fender (visible in your first pic), in addition to taking all the power from the engine harness.

There are only a handful in Germany from Porsche left for our L-jet cars right now (80-84 USA models).

BTW no matter what else... get a jump post cover! LOL!

rjtw

As another by the way you might check out my thread on my '83 where I'm refreshing coolant hoses, electrical harnesses, flex fuel lines (which crack with age and can cause devastating fires) and oil seals, along with a water pump/timing belt job and having the injectors professionally cleaned. You may need to do all the above on your car as well.

https://rennlist.com/forums/928-foru...oses-83-a.html

docmirror

You need Roger, who will get it from Sean, who will make it on his bench, and send it to Roger, and then send it to you.

whew,,,

928sRUS.com

This will likely solve many, many electrical gremlins, and also maybe stop your car from burning to the ground.

VWGUYGOESPORSCHE

Wow guys, thanks for the quick reply and thanks for the help. I am glad I noticed this. That is definitely a fire waiting to happen. Can't believe how fried it was and that it didn't burn this car down. That is just frickin crazy. Steve

rjtw

Don't forget to check your main harness and your flex fuel lines too

Jason89s4

Before hooking up Sean's pretty new harness...you might want to figure out why that sucker fried! (And post your findings).
That is a seriously cooked cable. One serious short somewhere upstream....

VWGUYGOESPORSCHE

Any idea how much the replacement harness runs from Roger/Sean? Just so I have an idea. I have already contacted Roger on the website. Thanks again. Steve

Schocki

Roger is old school, give him a call (yes, he knows customer service)...

The Forgotten On

Crazy enough that is fairly typical wear for an original harness. No shorts or anything else. It's just getting old.

SwayBar

+928!

frugal928

Yes...he does. His customer service is awesome! "Ok...Brother". lol

docmirror

Wow, harsh man. I thought you guys were friends?

giddyupp

New harness from Roger/Sean is something like $750 - Kinda expensive but worth every penny and a real thing of beauty