Car won't start! Need Help!!!

pauls911 · 04-09-2009, 04:58 AM

I got my engine installed over the weekend in my '75 911s. but now it wont start. The car cranks over but does not fire. Could I have some wires crossed somewhere? OR do I need to be looking for something else wrong? I'm new at this and need a little help. Thanks

kidrock · 04-09-2009, 06:00 AM

Check for spark at one of the spark plugs. If you are getting spark, open a vacuum line to your fuel supply and spray some carb cleaner or "quick start" into it, then give it a try. If the car starts then dies after spraying, then you have a fuel starvation issue.

Give us an update after these 2 checks, and let us know whether it's a spark or fuel problem.

Walter_Middie · Walter_Middie's Garage

Paul,

The most common problems are putting the distributor in 180 degrees out and not connecting the wires to the starter correctly. But you don't give enough info to tell if that might be the problem or not. Are you getting spark? Gas? You will need to do some basic troubleshooting - once you have isolated the problem, the experts here can help.

Ricks911s · 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pauls911

I got my engine installed over the weekend in my '75 911s. but now it wont start. The car cranks over but does not fire.

If the car cranks your starter is likely connected correctly (EDIT - CSV may not be and you should ensure things are correctly connected). I recently replaced an engine in my '76 and here is what I checked before starting.

(1) Check fuel flow w/out relieving fuel pressure. Take out key and disconnect battery. Jumper the fuel pump fuse (you can research how to do this) and disconnect the injectors and put them into 6 clean beer bottles or something they can spray into. Reconnect battery and when you turn ignition to "on" position the fuel pump should be running. Turn on for 2-3 seconds and shut off. Disconnect battery, take our jumper wires, and go to the back to see if you have fuel in the bottom of the beer bottles. Don't drink . . .

(2) Double check all fuses.

(3) Double check spark, as suggested, and inspect plugs.

Walter_Middie · Walter_Middie's Garage

Quote:

If the car cranks your starter is likely connected correctly.

The cold start valve gets power from the starter connection. Without the CSV working, the car will crank and not fire.

Ricks911s · 04-09-2009, 08:43 AM

Walter is correct. Post edited.

vash · vash's Garage

yes, check the yellow wire at the starter.

pauls911 · 04-14-2009, 05:15 PM

Distributor cap will only go on one way. The wires on the starter look right. I do have the number 3 fuse blown but it says its the front and rear parking lights. I did put new plug wires on but I think their on OK. I took a plug out and put it in the wire cranked it over and still no stark. Ant other ideas. Thanks for the help so far. Can't wait to get this thing going.

pauls911 · 04-15-2009, 03:11 AM

By the way I think the fuel is OK and I think its a spark thing.

Walter_Middie · Walter_Middie's Garage

Quote:

I took a plug out and put it in the wire cranked it over and still no spark

Just to make sure you aren't getting any spark - do you have a timing light? If so, hook it up and confirm that it doesn't light when the engine is cranked.

What kind of ignition system do you have? Is it the stock Bosch CD unit with regular points? Or is it aftermarket MSD and Pertronix?

ruf-porsche · ruf-porsche's Garage

Check the infamous green wire to the dizzy, sometime they break and sometime people forget to reconnect it.

pauls911 · 04-16-2009, 04:31 AM

Last night I found a set of wires that are not pluged in. On the strand there in a three female plug and three single female plugs. One red,black,and white. There is a place on the engine wall for a three wire plug but it doesn't seem to fit and I'm not sure where the others go. This could be my whole problem? I just don't know where they should go.