83 911sc engine dies

[Desert465]

Hi guys and gals,
my 83 911sc has a intermittent problem that is starting to get to me. In a nut shell it just dies sometime when ever it feels like it. Sometime right after start up and sometimes after 2 hours of driving, or I could also drive all day with no issues. There does not seem to be any rime or reason to it.

I could be driving along and all of a sudden it just shuts down, tack goes to 0. sorta feels like the key has been shut of.
It will usually start back up but not instantly, recently it happened and it would start and then immediately die, did this about 4 times and then it stayed running.

Thanks for any help in advance

[kanadary]

I am not sure if this could be the problem but on my mb 190E-2.6 it was the fuel pump relay. i would have to let it sit for about 5-10 minutes and it would start again.

[rick2443]

Does it happen more when you drive aggressively or over rough roads?

[Desert465]

Hi and thanks for the reply.
I have changed the fuel pump relay.
It has happened when I am having a little fun and also just cruising on the freeway. Last time was yesterday just going 30 through a subdivision.

[ramonesfreak]

using the original coil?

[Desert465]

Not 100% sure on the coil since I have only had the car just over a year but it looks like the original coil.

[ramonesfreak]

does it look like its weeping oil? are there oil drips below it? mine was doing what yours is doing, sort of. intermittent dropping of power and dying without warning. it gets hot and fails. replace with an MSD anti-vibration Blaster from PP. it could definitely be something else but replace coil anyway if it looks old or is leaking. DO not buy the newer Bosch coil. It is not reliable

[jtfreels]

I had a similar problem in my 82. In this case the fuel pump fuse was loose. Would move just enough to lose the connection.

So cleaned up the fuse holder, squeezed it together (gently) put the fuse back in and haven't had that problem since.

I later had the magnetic pickup in the distributor go bad, it would startup when cold then die after the distributor got warm. Of course that would only take 5 to 10 minutes before it would die and not start again for a couple of hours.

Jay

[Desert465]

I have tried the fuse holder thing as mine also seemed a little loose.
The coil is definitely old.

Is this the one you are referring too.
MSD-PN8222


Can I use it without the MSD CD ignition box ?

[ninelevenick]

Yes, the MSD coil can be used without an MSD module unit. BTW, what kind of ignition module unit do you have? Is it Bosch or maybe a Permutune? I had similar problems with my car plus backfiring, and it turned out to be the Permatune. Replaced it with a MSD and all is good.

[Desert465]

It's a Permutune and the car is a ROW if that changes anything.

[T77911S]

the permatune going bad. you are much better off with an MSD. put in the msd and msd coil.

[Superman]

First of all, if I were you I would install the factory pig-tail that replaced the infamous "green wire" that connects the distributor with the CDI unit. Replace the entire wire all the way to the CDI unit. If you use the right tool and connector, the installation can be "factory."

And you should also keep an eye on your current draw to the fuel pump. When fuel pumps get tired, they draw more current. It makes the fuse and the relay and the wiring get hot. If you see these symptoms, replace your fuel pump before you become stranded. And then.....never run the tank out of gas. FP's are gasoline-cooled, and running them dry is what makes them die.

But as far as your current problem, my best guess is it's the Permatune unit. I will never again use a Permatune. MSD is a popular box, but my preference is for the factory Bosch units. Find two used ones, and make sure you use the proper, matching, factory "coil." The other CDI unit goes into a freezer bag along with a spare spark plug connector, spare fuses and a roll of electrical tape and this should be placed in your trunk.

[Gunter]

Amen to that.