Starting/Running Problems
 

I'm looking for ideas of where to start with my problem. I have an '86 Targa that was running fine all day (drove to work & back, 70+ miles). Two hours later, I took it out again, drove about 1/4 mile and it died. The starter would crank and crank and cranck, but engine wouldn't start. Towed it home. Let it sit for 2 hours, tried again, still didn't start. Next morning, started up fine with no problems (although I didn't drive it, it idled fine until I shut it off about 5 minutes later). I let the car sit for a week. Then I started it up, drove around the neighborhood, and took it out on some country roads for about 10 minutes, and it ran fine. As I pulled in the driveway, it died again and wouldn't start. Cranks with no problem, but not even a sputter. Next day, starts fine again.

I'm guessing that because it dies immediately without coughing or hesitating, it may be electrical vs fuel. Any thoughts? Ideas on what to look for?

I'm definitely not an expert, but I've heard of DME relays failing w/ similiar symptons. I'm sure one of the guys who know for sure will chime in.

DME relay under drivers seat ...

A search on the string 'DME relay' gets plenty of material ...

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/search.php?s=&action=showresults&searchid=1326466& sortby=lastpost&sortorder=descending

Good pics and description here:

http://www.911chips.com/dmerelay.html

Holy smokes Warren, I mean you're right about the relay but I didn't notice during your last reply to a thread of mine that....am I seeing that right? 10,660 posts? WOW!!!!. You must be a walking encyclopedia with Porsche info. Does your head hurt? That's amazing. You must have been there at the beginning...Genisis.

Respectfully....Gordon

Thanks for the ideas and links Warren. I will get a new DME relay and see if that resolves my problem.