1st Carrera question (maybe silly) about leaving key "on."

Zeke · 09-25-2006, 08:06 AM

For those that might have missed it, I bought a Carrera . I don't know much about these cars, but I've been searching and reading tidbits. One thing that is going to come up real soon is the matter of leaving the key in the on position for periods of time while working on the car. For instance, the paintless dent guy may want to keep adjusting the height of the windows while working around the lift, etc.

If one does this, what happens? I know back in my 914 days, if I left the key on for more than 30 seconds with a Pertronix, it fried. Ask me how I know. And, on a points type dizzy car, if you happen to be unfortunate to have the points just about .001 or so apart, they will arch and not look too good afterwards. How does this work on an '88 911? I'm assuming nothing, but I thought I'd ask.

BTW, I can't seem to find an accessory position. Is there one? I told you this could be silly, but I don't know......

masraum · 09-25-2006, 08:12 AM

Absolutely nothing will happen. You're good to go.

masraum · 09-25-2006, 08:16 AM

Congrats on the new car, BTW. '88 and black, great combination. And came with a helluva set of wheels too. Looks like a good get to know her cruise to get home.

Zeke · 09-25-2006, 09:45 AM

Thanks. I was making that assumption, but some times assumptions can get you in trouble. I ought to take time to RTFM, eh?

JeremyD · JeremyD's Garage

Good for you Milt - and welcome to the dark side.

Rot 911 · 09-25-2006, 10:06 AM

Milt there are two positions before you actually get to the "start" mode, but I think both of them may turn on the fuel pump. You can always remove the DME relay under the driver's seat (AND WHILE YOU ARE AT IT REPLACE IT WITH A NEW ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) which is also the fuel pump relay.

charleskieffner · 09-25-2006, 10:43 AM

dont forget to get a CHT and a O2 sensor. if the P O didnt mention or papers dont show them being replaced fairly recent..................just do it! calif smog will be easier to pass. cool car hot color!

Eric Coffey · 09-25-2006, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by milt
BTW, I can't seem to find an accessory position. Is there one? I told you this could be silly, but I don't know......

Yep, same configuration for many years. The accesory position is the first key position that doesn't turn the alt/oil press. lights on.

randywebb · 09-25-2006, 11:44 AM

Congrats!

What made yo go with the newer model?

Quicksilver · 09-25-2006, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Kurt V
Milt there are two positions before you actually get to the "start" mode, but I think both of them may turn on the fuel pump. You can always remove the DME relay under the driver's seat (AND WHILE YOU ARE AT IT REPLACE IT WITH A NEW ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) which is also the fuel pump relay.

The DME doesn't spin the fuel pump unless the engine is spinning.

masraum · 09-25-2006, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Quicksilver
The DME doesn't spin the fuel pump unless the engine is spinning.

Yep, I don't think the fuel pump is activated until the key goes to "start".

Zeke · 09-25-2006, 12:24 PM

This is very informative. I'll bet there are guys who have had DME cars for some time that will learn from this thread.

Dark side? What made me go with a newer model? Bought any longhoods lately?

I think I got a lot of car for what a nasty longhood project would have cost me. I can deal with it. Nothing is forever.

BTW, I have 2 DMEs in the glove box. Can they be tested? Or are they just there to get you off the freeway?

JeremyD · JeremyD's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by milt
This is very informative. I'll bet there are guys who have had DME cars for some time that will learn from this thread.

Dark side? What made me go with a newer model? Bought any longhoods lately? I think I got a lot of car for what a nasty longhood project would have cost me. I can deal with it. Nothing is forever.

BTW, I have 2 DMEs in the glove box. Can they be tested? Or are they just there to get you off the freeway?

double entendre - black car - and the 2nd ironic part is the Carrera!!

randywebb · 09-25-2006, 02:37 PM

No I haven't (and won't). I bought mine in '99 so I appreciate the cost inflation issue. You'll have fun modifiying the car - you might start a long term thread on how to strip a heavy Carrera down to fighting wt...

They are at least 20 lbs. heavier b/c of the galvanizing + they have some reinforcements in the tub compared to the early cars, so that will set the floor as to how light you can go.

450knotOffice · 450knotOffice's Garage

Milt, my guess is those DME relays (I'm assuming you meant the relays, not the entire DME's) probably work fine and were simply replaced just because they got old and the owner didn't want to chance an older one dying on him at an inopportune time. I've got my old one in the glove box as a spare. The DME relay could not be easier to replace, btw.