My 3.2L still will not start. Any 3.2L gurus out there?

kretzj · 07-28-2002, 02:57 PM

I have an '86 twin plugged 3.2L in my '72 911. I had the engine rebuilt from scratch a year ago and I have been driving the car around my block every so often while I have been restoring the car. On 7/7, the car started but idled like crap and wanted to die when I gave it gas. I also had some smoke but I figured it was oil that was sitting around. on 7/20, the car will not start. It turns over and I see a vapor that smells like gas coming from the exhaust. I checked for spark and I figured it was getting gas from the strong odor of fuel from the exhaust. I checked the resistance from the mass flow sensor and it seems to be in spec. I also checked the reference and speed sensor resistance and they also appear normal. I checked the full throttle switch switch just in case and it also is in spec. I removed a plug to see if it was wet and it was black with heavy soot on it . This car only has about 30 miles on it. Do you have any suggestions?

Thanks,

Jon

rstoll · 07-28-2002, 03:02 PM

Stale gas??

kretzj · 07-28-2002, 03:18 PM

I have been adding new gas and I just replaced the fuel pump because I was having problems with it locking up.

Jorgeman · Jorgeman's Garage

Kretzj--my guess is you've already seen the problem when you pulled the plug and found heavy soot. I've had that happen a number of times in the past (altho not on my 86Targa). The engine starts very rich and if shut down immediately --such as repositioning in the drive or driving around the block--the engine doesn't get hot enough to burn off the deposits. In my experience, you'll have to pull at least one of the plugs in each cyl.and clean and dry it. Ibelieve it'll then start. Run it until it's warm before shutting down and I'll bet a sixpack it'll be OK! At least that has worked for me on both a Chevy 454 and a Honda 6 cyl. with the same symptoms. Good Luck.

kretzj · 07-28-2002, 03:59 PM

The car has been deteriorating for some time ( hard starting and crappy performance). I will purchase some new plugs and give it a shot. That theory makes perfect sense because I have only driven the car for <10 min each time. If this works, I will buy you a case of beer!

stlrj · 07-28-2002, 04:02 PM

A bad head temp sensor could cause it to flood.

Joe

kretzj · 08-03-2002, 01:50 PM

Jorgeman, I could hug you right now! I replaced all the spark plugs and it started right up. All the plugs were fouled. Thanks for all the input.

Jon

Jorgeman · Jorgeman's Garage

Whoa! Easy there big fella'--no hugs required! (Unless you're using your hubby's name!) Now get out there and drive to normal operating temp--or leave it unstarted in the garage until your ready to get it back on the road! Good Luck Jon