Picked up a 914 today

[jhynesrockmtn]

The car is an 8/92 production. The sail panel's, top of the bar and top of the windscreen are all vinyl. First issue, the car won't crank when it's hot after driving for a decent period of time. I'll be chasing that down starting with cleaning all of the battery/starter cables.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Try a new hot start relay Jerry. Don't take as gospel, but I think if the car won't crank on hot, it's the relay. If it will crank, it's a fuel/vapor lock issue. Hope someone can confirm or correct if wrong.

[URY914]

Originally Posted by Shaun 84 Targa

Try a new hot start relay Jerry. Don't take as gospel, but I think if the car won't crank on hot, it's the relay. If it will crank, it's a fuel/vapor lock issue. Hope someone can confirm or correct if wrong.

correct.

[rwest]

914 vapor lock, brings back memories!

My first car was a 914 and I was on my way to work when I stopped for some snacks at a grocery store; it was terribly hot out and the car wouldn't start. I had bought a box of ice cream sandwiches while in the store, so I put one on top of the fuel filter or pump and bingo started up shortly after.

Nice looking car, I want another one now.

[Nostril Cheese]

Originally Posted by jhynesrockmtn

The car is an 8/92 production. The sail panel's, top of the bar and top of the windscreen are all vinyl. First issue, the car won't crank when it's hot after driving for a decent period of time. I'll be chasing that down starting with cleaning all of the battery/starter cables.

Interesting. Its got a '74 rear bumper. Replace the ground strap going from the tranny to the underside of the trunk floor. Dont waste your time with hot start relays. Replace the solenoid and fix it one time.

[URY914]

Get a reduction gear mini-starter.

[jhynesrockmtn]

I got underneath today and the trans/body ground strap was a mess. The metal connecting tab was broken on the trans side and there is 40 years of grease and oil under there. I cleaned up, wire brushed everything, redid the batter connections and the grounding strap. The starter looks recently updated as in not caked in gunk but if this doesn't work I'll continue to trouble shoot.

[GWN7]

I hope you replaced the ground strap? Those woven copper straps corrode internally and don't allow the electricity to flow. You can also add a battery to engine block cable to ensure you have a good ground circuit. As Paul mentioned going to a 1/2 hp gear reduction starter is one of the best starter fixes you can do.

[Tobra]

I put the 911 starter in my 914 and never had a hot start problem since. I think 4 cylinder one just does not have a beans to turn over a hot motor every time.

[Nostril Cheese]

Originally Posted by Tobra

I put the 911 starter in my 914 and never had a hot start problem since. I think 4 cylinder one just does not have a beans to turn over a hot motor every time.

The 914 uses the same starter as the 911 of the era. The problem is the contact plates in the solenoid. They arc over the years and build up resistance. 911/912s have the same problem.

The woven ground straps don't help the problem either as they also build up resistance. Use a shielded one.

[RSBob]

Replace the rubber fuel lines why you are at it. Of course the rear grill is great for impromptu BBQs.

[jhynesrockmtn]

New shielded ground strap in but having the same problem. On to other potential fixes.

[dave 911]

Cool car, reminds me of my 73 914 that I had back in the '80's - when I bought it, it was the same color as yours.

Ravenna green is an awesome '70's color - hopefully your long term plans include returning it to it's green glory?