Not cranking

TX74911 · 05-07-2002, 07:42 AM

I would really appreciate any input, suggestions, tips, sarcasim, comments (smart ass or otherwise), or help in general.

I just installed a '77 2.7 into my '74 911 coupe. Everything is hooked up. I filled the motor with oil and the transmission with gear lube and tried to start it.

The only thing I get when trying to start it is the fan rotates to the right just a short turn and stops. I cannot get it to turn freely over. I have had it turn a couple of times but not everytime I turn the key.

Now, for more background info: Before getting to the point where I put oil in to attempt to start it I finished connecting the fuel lines an was able to test the fuel pump and all by turning the key and hearing it run. I guess by doing that I must have filled up a cylinder or two with fuel because the first time I was able to get the motor to turn one full relovution, I got fuel out of two of the exhaust ports (no exhaust system was on the car).

I know my battery has a low charge and needs to be replaced. If that is the case, would that cause the engine not to crank?

I am planning on taking it to the shop this weekend and let them figure it out and get it running if I cannot get any answers.

I realize I should have asked a hundred questions before getting to this point but I'm here now and just hope I did not ruin something. Thanks for any help.

dickster · 05-07-2002, 08:02 AM

crank it by hand first to make sure there is not a hydraulic lock caused by the fule in the cylinders.

then try a new/charged battery - sounds like yours is toast

stlrj · 05-07-2002, 08:14 AM

or you could pull the plugs and see if it cranks.

Rot 911 · 05-07-2002, 08:15 AM

Definitely sounds like what Richard told you: fuel in the cylinders has cause a hydrolock. Remove all spark plugs, turn over engine to get fuel out. Put plugs back in, restart engine.

TX74911 · 05-07-2002, 12:07 PM

I have four of the six plugs pulled, the other two are giving me problems (that's a whole other subject). Those are probably the two that are locked up.

Also, how do you turn it by hand? There does not seem to be enough room to get a socket on the nut down on the crank and the belt of course slips when turning the fan.

Thanks for the replies and keep 'em comin!

makaio · 05-07-2002, 12:24 PM

Crank the fan pulley with the spanner wrench, or a socket on the pulley nut. Only rotate it clockwise. If the belt is slipping really bad, then you need to adjust the belt tension. If it only slips a little (like mine), then put your finger on the belt, on the right side, and apply some pressure. I have to do this when turning my motor over by hand for valve adjustments.

good luck!

TX74911 · 05-07-2002, 12:26 PM

I forgot to mention, or ask, when the key is turned on to where the fuel pump is running, is it bad to leave it running without trying to fire the engine? What is the normal route for the fuel to take if it is not used for ignition? Surely every time I turn my key on without cranking the engine I'm not going to risk filling my cylinders up with fuel? Is there another problem that I have? This seems to be how I got into my current situation. Thanks.

TX74911 · 05-07-2002, 12:28 PM

Thanks Matt,

I'll give that a try. I wasn't sure how tight is too tight on the fan belt so I was hesitant to try that.

Kenny

Johns911sc · 05-07-2002, 12:35 PM

If you left your key in the on position, your battery is weak and needs a charge.