964 DME relay question....

Joe Bob · Joe Bob's Garage

My SC has a '93 964 engine. A fifteen year plus Steve Timmons (ST) conversion. Pretty rock solid motor with just minor issues.

I recently had a DME relay failure. It confused me as the symptoms were NOT a no start or failure to run after start. This time it was some kind of short that caused the fuel pump to continue running when the ignition key was in run position, off position, the Frunk red relay and fuse removed. After a Pelican suggested the DME relay I did a "DOH" head slap and reached under the seat.

A buzzing sound was coming from the relay. When I shifted the relay position in preparation of removing it, the buzzing and fuel pump stopped.

Not a big deal as I had a spare, swapped it in. To prepare for the next relay failure I ordered a Focus 9 solid state relay. Either I wasn't clear or there was a mix up, I got a relay with flat blades where mine had round poles.

The part number 911 618 154.01 was on my old relay and looked like this...

Now the problem is that most references for this part on the net including here on Pelican calls that part number and round pin configuration for the 3.2.

Not a huge issue as I will order what has been working. But....
Are the DME units interchangeable and mayhap ST changed it out or something else?

uwanna · 02-27-2021, 09:48 PM

Yup, Steve Timmons wired it that way on purpose. The original 964 DME harness
has long lead for the DME relay which runs all the way up to a relay console
in the 964 frunk. That relay console takes the flat pin type DME relay.
Common practice for a 964 transplant is to cut that lead near the DME computer
location and wire in a DME plug (round pin) from a 3.2 Carrera to plug your relay into.
That puts the relay handily right near the computer. The reason for the 3.2
relay plug is I don't think a handy plug for the flat pin relay is readily available.
Anyway, both the flat pin and round pin DME relays are identical inside in function
and circuitry

Joe Bob · Joe Bob's Garage

Thank you for the explanation. Some of ST mod's were odd to say the least on his "Crate Motors"

But at the time he was the cheaper option than finding a 964 engine myself in CA. I had done plenty of 3.0 and smaller conversions in 914s and a six in a 356 but there wasn't a whole lot information on this swap. He wasn't the easiest guy to communicate with.

Now it makes sense.

As to the solid state DME seller, there is no phone contact and I ordered the relay and added it was for an 83 SC 3.6. That should have been a clue. Oh well....I'll get on the horn Monday with Pelican and get the correct relay backup.

Joe Bob · Joe Bob's Garage

Okay, covering my bets. I sure as hell wouldn't purchase a URO relay and Pelican have "oem" relays for like 36 bucks. Genuine Porsche relays for $100+.

THEN...Amazon sells this
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NVBJ3EO/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A19A1EXKV59DSL&psc=1

The manufacturer company is supposedly in SmelLA but no telephone contact. Product questions referred thru Amazon. 2 year warranty.....

The reason I'm asking is that even though I just ordered a $400+ part I'll probably get dinged for shipping. And shipping ain't cheap from Kalifornia.

The Amazon part offers free shipping.

uwanna · 05:22 AM

Joe Bob,

Why not this SS rely from Force9 for $67.50
https://www.ftech9.com/new-products/911-ssr
I have used that relay for 9 years flawlessley, plus the three second fuel pump prime
function when you turn on the key gives you a nice warm feeling.
I'm also don't think the SS DME seller understood you needed the round pin relay
for a 3.6 conversion. He probably just saw you had a 3.6 motor and assumed
you needed the flat pin relay. Give him a break, his product is awesome.
Send him an email to the contact support link on his web site and I'm
sure he will do you right. I saw a post where he replaced one of his relays that had a problem
after two years free !

Joe Bob · Joe Bob's Garage

The contact at the F/9 didn't offer that option. So as I didn't get a lot of warm fuzzies from them, I discounted the relay on the 944 board and sold it.

I don't REALLY need a relay but a spare would be nice as you never know when the fargin' thing is gonna go tits up. I'm not sure how old the failed relay is but it MAY be still inside of warranty from Pelican.

I'll find out Monday.

I'm not pissed just irked. Two vehicle failures in the same week has been a PITA.

EDIT: Depending on what Pelican says on the warranty, I may take your advice. Knee jerk reactions can be fixed.