Starting/Running Problems

[NoSub]

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?

[87coupe]

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.

[Early_S_Man]

DME relay under drivers seat ...

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

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

Good pics and description here:

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

[gost]

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

[NoSub]

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