Disconnecting a 911 connector 101

[djk_wff]

Desperate need for help on how to disconnect these 3 connectors on my '88 911 carrera. These are on supposedly the ign sensors and i can't figure em out .. They are mounted on the left side of the engine, on the intake manifold. There's a rubber boot on the plastic conn mounted to the manifold bracket.

I'm troubleshooting a no spark issue and am going to bypass the head sensor, according to the troubleshooting posts. thanks in advance to an embarrassing question, but a serious situation!



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1988 Porsche 911 Carrera
triple black
VA coast

[Don LaVance]

If you mean that, when you pull on one of the 3 connectors they will not seperate , they are being retained in place by the wire clips that you see circling each of them. Insert a small screw driver or a pointed probe and gently pry it outward from the connector as you simultaneously wiggle the connector to pull it out. when re-installing Ensure that the wire clips are seated fully in their respective recessed area to ensure good solid retention.
Be gentle.

[86 911 Targa]

Originally Posted by djk_wff

Desperate need for help on how to disconnect these 3 connectors on my '88 911 carrera. These are on supposedly the ign sensors and i can't figure em out .. They are mounted on the left side of the engine, on the intake manifold. There's a rubber boot on the plastic conn mounted to the manifold bracket.

I'm troubleshooting a no spark issue and am going to bypass the head sensor, according to the troubleshooting posts. thanks in advance to an embarrassing question, but a serious situation!



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1988 Porsche 911 Carrera
triple black
VA coast

[yelcab1]

Technically, if you reach in and pull hard enough, the spring slips over and comes out.

However, it is much safer so that you will not break anything by getting a pick and lift the spring over the retainer ears.

[donagain1]

Before prying the spring clips you might drape a rag beneath them to prevent a clip from disappearing forever should it fly off. Probably not necessary, but better to say "What did I do that for?" than wishing you had.

[VaSteve]

Originally Posted by yelcab1

Technically, if you reach in and pull hard enough, the spring slips over and comes out.

However, it is much safer so that you will not break anything by getting a pick and lift the spring over the retainer ears.

Those have been through a million heat cycles by now. Do yourself a favor and pick the wire clips off first. It should come right apart. If you pull hard, it could crumble. Asl me how I know these things.

[Tippy]

I pry only one side and once far enough the connector will wiggle off with a little effort.

[djk_wff]

Thanks for the comments !
was able to wiggle those connectors off w/o breaking 'em,
on 1988 3.2 Carrera ...

Still have not figured out my no spark problem though, perhaps a new thread?...
after the engine shutting off on a drive,
good fuel flow (at least smells like it's getting fuel)(new DME)
replaced the distributor & rotor,
rerplaced the coil,
inspected the sensor connectors (above),
shorted across the CHT sensor,

still no spark ...

Any additional suggestions?

[dshepp806]

Without question, remove the wire clips FIRST.....

BEST!

Doyle