newbie here with a problem

[bryvincent]

hi guys. i just got a '81 911SC last week and this morning i went out for a sunday drive and when i was on the highway, as soon as i shifted to 5th gear , the tach acted strange. the needle just 'sways' and eventually quit working. and when i tried to speed up it jerked a little bit and when going slightly uphill it just lost power. the engine is still running but no power to move the car. even on 1st gear. so i parked it on the roadside ,shutoff the engine and checked the engine. and when i tried to start it, it won't start anymore, it wont even crank like it has a dead battery. but all the lights, fan and radio are still working. ended up towing the car. i'll bring it to the mechanic tomorrow. anybody have an idea what the problem is? i am very new to Porsches so i don't have a clue. i'm thinking maybe its the alternator or an ignition problem.
thanks.

[mikesride]

Hey, the good news is that the 3.0l is dam near the toughest engine ever built, so the problem will lie somewhere in the electronics. Dig into it yourself but post questions on this board with more to the point topics. If you post " No start, electrical issues where to begin?" The real smart guys will start digging in! Good luck! ps post some pics too!

[bryvincent]

thanks.
here she is:


i took the pic while waiting for the tow truck

[steely]

Beautiful car! and welcome.
I'm, no expert but have read where an erratic tach could be because of loose or corroded
connections, your points, or the alternator.
Check back for some solid answers and/or do a search in the meantime for erratic tach or similar terms. There's tons of info here.

On edit - Alternator no doubt - I stopped after reading your first prob. which turned out to be a clue.

[rdrr]

I had an SC that did that to me once with exactly the same symptoms. It turned out to be a bad alternator. I would look at that first.

[dhagood]

Originally Posted by rdrr

I had an SC that did that to me once with exactly the same symptoms. It turned out to be a bad alternator. I would look at that first.

my 3.2 carrera did exactly the same thing; it was also a bad alternator.

[Joe Bob]

Got a multimeter? There a few threads on bouncy threads. You'll need to take some readings. If you don't have one, good idea to get one. You'll need one sooner or later and wonder why you never had one.

If you have particular questions you can send me a PM. I hve lots of experience on this.....

[mikesride]

So Vincent.....Are you up and running yet? If so what was the problem. BTW LOVE the look of your ride!! Hmmm Winnipeg road trip.... Of course solely for the purpose of getting some pics of a black beauty along side my little red coupe!

Drive on brother!!

[andyt11]

Any progress? There is a PCA meet on wed in the peg. Would love to see your new car...

[bryvincent]

yup got it all sorted out. i got the alternator replaced and a fresh new battery too.
i also replaced the ignition coil as it was leaking oil. runs great now.
unfortunately i can't make it to the meet coz i work nights/evenings. hopefully next time when i get a day off.

thanks BTW.

[andyt11]

Where did you get the alternator and coil done?

[bryvincent]

Eurocars did the alternator. i did the ignition coil myself.

[andyt11]

Pretty cool that they had one available at such short notice.

So where did you buy the car? You bring it in from the states?

[bryvincent]

they have to order the alternator and overnight ship it.

i bought the car locally.