'87 Carrera no start

[nealf2002]

Hi I cannot get my '87 coupe to start. It started today but when running in my driveway it stalled. Couldn't restart. Recently it shut off the same way while out on a drive but restarted. Battery is new and ruled out. Pop started it and it ran but I stalled it myself or at least I think i did. Maybe it shut off from fuel starvation. It clicks and sounds like a power surge in the neighborhood of the fuel pump when i turn the key. It then stops after i turn the key to try to start (after the surge sound).

Would anyone replace fuel pump relay or would you replace the fuel pump? I am not technical enough to test the relay. Is that involved and what tool would I need and what process? I did pull the relay under the driver seat out, and put back in but still no start. I suppose I would have to order online as I dont think anyone local would carry.

Finally, I have a spare fuel pump from my old SC. Would that work in my Carrera? Orare they different?

Any help appreciated thanks!

[darrin]

do you have a spare DME relay? If not, I'd get one and swap yours out to see if the problem persists -- their soldier joints fail causing intermittent starting problems. You could also try tapping on yours while installed to see if it helps get your car started. You can also check/rule out the fuel pump relay by swapping it with another round relay and seeing if anything changes -- black ones and red ones operate the same way, so OK to swap to test.

Search the forum for DME relay for more info

[Rich76_911s]

Hey Neal,

I'm close to Gladwyne (Phoenixville) and I think I may have a spare relay in the garage. I'll take a look tonight and drop you a PM with my contact info and to let you know. There are quite a few Porsche guys in the area I'd be happy to help any way I can.

-Rich

[boyt911sc]

Neal,

You need to do more or less some sort diagnostic test to determine your problem/s. The engine does not start because

• It does not have ignition?
• Is the fuel system pressure within spec?
• Are the three (3) sensors good?
• Is the fuel pump working?

Verify you have ignition signal and the fuel system pressures are within spec. These are the easy one to test and verify. Then move to electrical (sensors and relay). Maybe you got a bad fuel pump.

Do you know how to manually test the fuel pump? Do you have a pressure gauge? What have you done so far to identify the likely culprit? I could test your DME unit if needed. Keep us posted.

Tony

[nealf2002]

Hi thanks all for answering. I took out the DME relay, If that’s the one under the driver seat. The square one. Put it back in and moved it around so it made a good connection. It appears newer than an original one. It could pass for new although I have owned the car since 2015 or so.

Was someone saying one of the round relays in the frunk fuse panel goes to the fuel pump? Which one do I check? I wasn’t able to determine from the fuse panel listing.

Tony- I have not done the diagnostic tests you have mentioned. I had limited time today and have somewhat limited ability.
I do, however have a spare fuel pump that you sold me many years ago as a spare for my SC Targa. You had bench tested it as working.
Is this compatible with a 3.2 Carrera?
Any more assistance ans comments appreciated. I’d like to try to tackle this job myself. Thanks!

[Rich76_911s]

Neal,

I don’t think SC pumps are compatible with Carreras.

I did locate my spare DME relay (that goes under the seat) if you’d like to borrow it and see if it fixes your issue.

I think someone was suggesting you try swapping the relays in the drunk to see if that would help.

Do you have a volt meter and or a fuel pressure gauge? Are you familiar with how to check for ignition spark?

[nealf2002]

Rich I sent you a pm.

[gtc]

You can use a short jumper wire across terminals 30 and 87B in the DME Relay socket to "hotwire" the fuel pump. You will be able to hear the pump run. This is a simple way to see if either your pump or your relay are bad.
Kind of sounds like a dying pump to me.

[boyt911sc]

Neal,

Even with a bad fuel pump, empty gas tank, defective DME unit, poor ignition, etc., your starter should be able to turn the motor. The fact that the starter does even make any noise at all when you turn to START from listening to the video you sent me clearly points towards a problem with your starter. It could be a bad solenoid, poor ground, or the starter itself.

Have someone check your starter. Removing the starter of a G-50 car is not that easy. Take your car to a shop and let them do the dirty work. Ten (10) years ago, I would offer to help you and do it for fun. Not anymore at this age. Too old and stiff. Good luck.

Tony

[gomezoneill]

Possible position and reference sensors.