Overdue intro and an engine problem – see video

[crynomad]

Hi all
So for the last month I was able to rebuild the suspension, steering, brakes, clutch, engine conversion, replaced all fuel lines, installed new fuel filter , oil filter, spark plugs, MSD Blaster coil, new fuel pump relay, ect. Last night I put the engine back in the car and was able to start it but it doesn’t sound right.
Could you PLEASE check out the video I made and give me some ideas.
Porsche 3.2 engine start - YouTube

[totle]

To me it sound like a ignition problem.
Have you verified that you have connected the plug wires correctly according to the fire order? 1-6-2-4-3-5

[emac]

No expert but could it be something as simple as a crossed plug wire. Timing also sounds off
Welcome, you will get it right.

[fasterlaster]

It sure sounds like a good hobby to me. I'm also a novice at these air-cooled Porsches, but I agree something doesn't sound right. I see you went through a lot of the ignition and fuel replaceable items. A few things I would suggest before the family makes it back. What does a compression check show, and did you check the valves prior to startup? You could check that all 6 injectors are firing with a screw driver, or pull the connector trick. Also as a thought would be a vacuum leak? Could put a vacuum gauge on the engine to see if you can find any thing. Good luck, and sounds like a fun project.

[E Sully]

It sounds like it may not be firing on all cylinders. Could have a stuck injector. I also don't know about the compatibility of the MSD coil with the Motronic ignition. Did you install a new distributor cap and rotor, and check to see if the spring weights in the distributor are moving freely?
Did you flush out the fuel tank? Maybe check the fuel pressure. It does not sound like it has any serious problems. Take out the spark plugs and see if they look like they are all firing, if any look black from fouling, wet with fuel from not firing, or too clean from the injector not working.

[crynomad]

totle - i didnt even mess with the ignition wires. The only thing i did was to replace the ignition coil 90 degree terminal because it was loose - had to buy $30 crimping tool for that - but i will check . Thanks

emac - looks like i have to check the plug wires

fasterlaster - didnt do a compression or valve check prior to starting. I will have to research how to check the injectors. I would have to research the vacuum gauge thing too

E Sully - i have the original distributor cap. I pulled it out to inspect and it looked very clean no discoloration on the terminals and put it back. I did flush out the fuel tank too and installed new carrera fuel pump.

If anyone else can provide input it will be greatly appreciated. I have a month to finnish this or no Porscha for me.

thanks

[jeffs9146]

I went through this with my 3.0L that had been sitting for 14 years!

First thing I did was remove the tank and flush it out.
Then I replaced all the fuel lines!
I flushed the whole FI system including the injectors.
Did a compression check.
Adjusted the valves.
I did a vacuum leak test with a reversed vacuum cleaner and soap.
Replaced all the Spark Plugs and Wires.
New cap, rotor, injector seals oil, fuel filters (one under the tank and the main FI Filter)
Checked the fuel pump.

After all that it still ran rough. With the 3.0L it turned out to be gunk in the WUR (warm up regulator). After repairing the WUR it still had a warm start issue but ran great. The warm start issue was the Fuel Accumulatior!

Any of the above items can cause some kind of issue!

Yours sounds like clogged injectors or messed up plug wires!