930 difficult starting after some work
 

I have had my 930 laid up for a few months while, in my limited free time, I removed and upgraded all of the A/C components and hoses. While I was removing these items I also removed the intercooler and a lot of screws, clamps and other hardware that I had replated.

I couldn't drive the car during this work because the belly pan had to be removed to do the A/C work which disconnected the sway bar. The Optima battery, new last July, has been on a Porsche battery maintainer the entire time.

Anyway, I finally got it all back together. First start was difficult, but I thought perhaps it was because of all the sitting. Unfortunately all the starts are the same way. It's like the starter is having a hard time turning the engine.

When I first turn the key, it seems like nothing happens but I think the starter is trying but can't turn the motor. I stop, wait a few seconds and try again. The motor turns just a little. I turn it off and wait a few seconds more, repeating this process several times. Each time the motor rotates a little more, then turns over without starting, then finally starts. Once it's running, it's fine.

I didn't actually disconnect anything electrical except unbolting the brackets that held the coil and the solenoids that control the air injection system. Of course, they're all back now. I may have inadvertently loosened something poking around in there but I don't know. This issue may not even be related to the work I did. I just need to solve it.

I haven't played around with this motor much and don't know it very well. Can you please suggest what I should check, where it is located and how to check it? I think I may have a grounding problem. I'm not even sure where the starter is.

Thanks for your help!

John,

It almost sounds like your battery isn't fully charged. You probably should start by testing the battery. If that doesn't resolve it I would advise you to start looking at all of the ground connections.

David
1986 911 Turbo

Thank, David. I actually found another of your posts about grounds and printed it out to work from this morning.

The Optima battery is showing almost 13 volts on my analog volt meter so it's OK. When the car is not in use, the battery has always been on the maintainer.

Are there any grounding points I could check in the engine comparment where I was doing my A/C work, in case it's my fault? The only areas I messed with where electrical was involved is the mount for the coil bracket on top of the fan shroud and these solenoids. As I said earlier, all I did was remove the yellow zinc parts hand have them replated. I should mention that previously, the car has always started easily with no problem whatsoever. This is definitely a big change.

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John,

I believe that their are at least three other grounding points in the engine bay beside the coil that you mention. The others are: alternator to crankcase, rear-wiper, and CDI unit. Also, you mention that you had some items re-plated, were any of these items connected to a ground, if so is it possible that they are conductive?

David