In tears! Stored over winter, '78 3.0L won't start!

WJG2 · WJG2's Garage

Stored my 77 targa with 78 3.0L the same way this winter as I have before: Removed battery, added fuel stabilizer, pumped up tires to 50lbs, kissed it good-bye for five months. This weekend, charged battery, turned key, and...won't start. Turns over well, but no start. Before I get it towed to the shop --and keeping in mind I am mechanically challenged (the most I've done is tighten the fan belt, change the fuel filter and fuel accumulator) -- is there anything obvious I should try? Thanks very much.

Jim Sims · 03-23-2003, 06:31 AM

Do you hear the fuel pump running (buzzing or whining) up front while you are cranking? If not, check that the red fuel pump relay is properly seated and that the 16 amp fuse in position 25 is properly seated; the relays and fuses are up front in the luggage compartment on the drivers side on the inside of the fender. In the engine compartment with the ignition key in the on or run position do you hear a whine from the CDI box on the left side (driver's side) of the engine comprtment? Look for any disconnected or mouse chewed wires on the engine; especially the 14 pin connector on the left side of the engine compartment. Jim

WJG2 · WJG2's Garage

Thanks. I hear the whine fine (ooh, a poet, not a mechanic...), and will go out now to check the 14-pin connector and mouse evidence.

Doug Zielke · 03-23-2003, 06:53 AM

Please don't cry, WJG2, but check for spark by taking a plug lead off, putting a known good plug into it, ground to engine metal. Have a helper crank, while you watch for a big, fat, blue spark.

If you have spark, then you need to find out if you're getting fuel. That's another post....for another time.

WJG2 · WJG2's Garage

Thanks, fellow Canuck. Will try that in the A.M.

JG

Superman · 03-23-2003, 05:21 PM

Unless it was stored with the heater levers FULL ON, and maybe even if it was not, do check for mouse next on top of engine. This requires removing parts, like the covers in the engine corners, one of which takes air off the engine toward the heater fan.

As far as the no start problem is concerned, Doug is right. Check for spark first. I'd suggest pulling the wire out of the top center of the distributor cap, the one that comes from the coil. Hold the metal contact about a half-inch from the #1 intake runner USING A PAIR OF INSULATED PLIERS WHILE NOT TOUCHING ANY PART OF THE VEHICLE WITH YOUR BODY, and have an assistant run the starter briefly. The spark should jump the half-inch gap with no trouble, making an audible SNAP sound.

fred cook · fred cook's Garage

Another easy thing to try is to remove the air box cover and filter, reach inside and with the ignition on so you can hear the fuel pump running, gently lift the intake plate. You should be able to hear a fuel spraying sound. Don't lift far or long, just enough to bleed the fuel system. Put the filter and cover back on and try to start the engine.

Good Luck!

Fred Cook
'80 911SC coupe