Bad fuel..now completely dead, Please help!

DaveHak · 12:31 AM

Hi,
I have a 83 911SC, My first Porsche...Few days ago the car started idling weak, and lost power...Knew I either had water in the tank, or sludge had gotten into the lines after I fueled up at this shady gas station.
So I decided to put some fuel additives and dry gas and "run it through" Yesterday, I started the car and it was running really bad and was barely making it up the hill until it died completely.
Engine turnes over, it feels like its gonna start, but dies right away... same every time I try. like its getting a drop of gas and dies right away..Not like before where it would hesitate and stutter, then shut of.
I checked the fuse, and relay.. they are ok. Im hoping I just fried the fuel pump..since it became this way suddenly.
Im not sure what else It can be..
I hope I didn't blow the entire engine.
Anyone have any thoughts?
Please help...Thanks very much.

twistoffat · 06-19-2011, 11:51 PM

Dave if you suspect bad fuel have you changed the Fuel filter. If the pump is ticking over you are still not getting fuel I´d try changing the filter. Poor Idling and cutting out could be many factors but if you suspect dirty fuel change the filter. If this helps then I´d get around to emptying the tank and flushing the lines

CharlieB · 06-20-2011, 05:12 AM

Dave, Don't despair. Your first Porsche is just testing you to see if you deserve to own it! You've already taken the correct first step by getting on this Forum. Plenty of help and advice here. The search function is your very best friend!

j911brick · 06-20-2011, 02:28 PM

If you have real problem with the fuel system you will need to get a CIS fuel pressure tester before you do anything.

DaveHak · 06-20-2011, 05:45 PM

Today, I had someone turn the ignition while i was under the car (near the fuel pump) and I didn't hear anything...So Im hoping It's just a bad fuel pump.

ChaseN · 06-20-2011, 05:59 PM

If I'm not mistaken, on an SC, the fuel pump should only kick on when the car is being started, or when the airflow meter is raised (i.e. running engine)...

boyt911sc · boyt911sc's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaveHak

Today, I had someone turn the ignition while i was under the car (near the fuel pump) and I didn't hear anything...So Im hoping It's just a bad fuel pump.

Dave,

Your SC's FP is not supposed to run with the ignition switch @ ON position. If it does, there is something wrong with the wiring set-up. To test the FP without running the engine is very simple. Pull out the FP relay (red round relay) and connect terminals # 87A and #30 (FP relay socket) with a suitable jumper wire with in-line fuse, and turn the ignition switch @ ON (not start). The FP should run at this point. Keep us posted.

Tony

1976 TN Porsche · 06-20-2011, 07:22 PM

If you think you have bad gas you need to drain the fuel tank and replace your your fuel filter. Then replace the sparkplugs. They are probley fuel fould. You might need to change your plugs twice. After running it for a little while it should be fine.

DaveHak · 06-21-2011, 03:08 AM

Well, today I will find out..we're gonna swap out the FP and keep my fingers crossed.
The lesson learned: Stick with ONE good gas station, and never let the fuel level drop too low.

twistoffat · 06-23-2011, 10:27 AM

Well Dave,

Was it the pump in the end?

DaveHak · 06-23-2011, 04:28 PM

Just got her back from the shop! Turns out it was something with the airbox flapper...Didn't ask too many questions...I was just happy to see her running again. I did clean inside the intake box with amorall a couple weeks ago...Maybe that caused it?
I guess you can say It was a stupid thing i did.