Newbie to Ruby

[Ruby1983-911sc]

Recently purchased a 1983 911 SC, I am still learning how to use Pelicans BBS.
I took my car out for a drive to the hill country near Austin. The start up was difficult
as my "Ruby" (first time I have ever named a vehicle) hasn't really been driven since the purchase mid November. I drove back from Houston, approx. 250 miles. I started her up twice since, it was difficult then. Today however, with three tries, she finally coughed and did stay awake. Let me tell you I was shaken since I don't know much about the issues of owning a Porsche 911. I use Pelicans bbs more than anything to research. All said, I am still confused as to what to do to get the car started without issue.
I must add that the dealer had about 3-5 gallons of gas in the tank as he said, you need to get gas. Not complaining however I believe I may have sucked up the crap at the bottom of the tank.
The other issue I am finding is the shifting issues mentioned here. I need to fix that.
Question? How do I go by finding someone in my neck of the woods to educate me.
I am mechanical and learn well.
This car is a real beauty and I WANT to have the fun that I have grown to expect.
Any imput is greatly appreciated.

[Oh Haha]

Welcome to Pelican!

I'm pretty sure we have several Pelicans in your area that would be willing to help you.

[Eli W]

I would think about changing the fuel filter.

What was the history on the car before the dealer got it?

If it starts fine when dead cold and then has trouble after being driven then look to the fuel accumulator. That one got me.

[DRACO A5OG]

Welcome Aboard!

Great Color

[christiandk]

Congrats and welcome.

Post specific tech questions or search - a lot of good people here to help!

What did Victory Motorcars say about the issues the car has?

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by Ruby1983-911sc

I started her up twice since, it was difficult then. Today however, with three tries, she finally coughed and did stay awake.

Sounds like you may have a cold start system issue. When it's dead cold (overnight rest), pull the wires off the sensor shown in the six o'clock position. Wires are not on in the pic. Just pull one off. Both not necessary.

See if the identical symptoms are present.

If so, we can help you trouble shoot this system further.

This part is the thermo-time switch. Driver's side chain cover location. When the temp of the switch is below 100-120F degrees, when you crank the engine, it instructs the cold start valve to open and piss a whole bunch of fuel vapor into the airbox. It only works when you spin the engine via the key.

CIS cars, even poorly set up, will usually fire when this system is engaged. If your car runs well after a feeble start-up when cold, this is a good place to start "sniffing".

[Ruby1983-911sc]

Thanks Wayne. I am new to the forum thing and finally found these responses. How do I locate other members in this forum?

[Ruby1983-911sc]

Hey Bob, I appreciate your time and efforts in assisting me. I want to let you know that I have read many of your past post. The issue I posted was the second time. Most start ups were two cranks and a rough start. Bob which book do you suggest I purchase. I did purchase the Haynes book however, it is rough reading. thanks again, Michael=

[Bill Douglas]

Don't worry Michael, it will be something minor that you will get sorted in no time. SC's are really reliable, minimal maintenance 911s that you can really just get out and enjoy.

What a great looking cartoo!

[Steve@Rennsport]

The Haynes books are utterly worthless,...get yourself the 911SC Bentley manual and you'll be set.

[APachon71RN]

As I am sure you know, Pelican is a priceless resource. I've also found that my local PCA members are also a great resource and they are like minded and quite eager to lend assistance or advice. I am also quite fortunate that two of my locals are also vocal on Pelican and are great sources of info or references to where I can get an answer when needed.

Side note - gorgeous car. I too just acquired an 83 911SC. She is a blast to tromp on.

~Andy

Originally Posted by Ruby1983-911sc

Recently purchased a 1983 911 SC, I am still learning how to use Pelicans BBS.
I took my car out for a drive to the hill country near Austin. The start up was difficult
as my "Ruby" (first time I have ever named a vehicle) hasn't really been driven since the purchase mid November. I drove back from Houston, approx. 250 miles. I started her up twice since, it was difficult then. Today however, with three tries, she finally coughed and did stay awake. Let me tell you I was shaken since I don't know much about the issues of owning a Porsche 911. I use Pelicans bbs more than anything to research. All said, I am still confused as to what to do to get the car started without issue.
I must add that the dealer had about 3-5 gallons of gas in the tank as he said, you need to get gas. Not complaining however I believe I may have sucked up the crap at the bottom of the tank.
The other issue I am finding is the shifting issues mentioned here. I need to fix that.
Question? How do I go by finding someone in my neck of the woods to educate me.
I am mechanical and learn well.
This car is a real beauty and I WANT to have the fun that I have grown to expect.
Any imput is greatly appreciated.

[zl0ca]

Welcome to the forum. It's always nice to see another ruby around the board. I had a similar sluggish/rich/rough idle start problem and mine turned out to be the o2 sensor. Good luck

[mark 74 carrera]

Michael,

There are many Pelicans in Austin. Welcome to the Porsche world. Nice car. I'm out in Lakeway.

Mark

[Quicksilver]

Originally Posted by Steve@Rennsport

The Haynes books are utterly worthless,...get yourself the 911SC Bentley manual and you'll be set.

Bingo!
The Bentley manual is nothing short of a requirement. Wayne's "101 Projects" book is not a bad idea either.

Obviously searching the forum is a good idea. Look for posts by users with an obscene quantity of real experience: Such as Steve@Rennsport, John Walker's workshop, TRE Cup, Grady Clay, Early S Man, and others.

[Ruby1983-911sc]

Wow, it is amazing how kind people are in the real world. Gentlemen, thanks for the kind words and compliments. I was thinking: "amazing what amount of attention something beautiful can capture." Now I understand why a older man goes for a younger woman. ATTENTION... I however, purchased this car because it was the only one that captured my eye. I did purchase it from, (are you sitting down) Victory Motorcars, in Houston. I did not get a PPI, just wanted the car so I am not certain what has or has not been done to the car mechanically. I will tell you that the tires I purchased on the car were 1997, I called Robert back and he said they passed inspection. I purchased four fuchs (2) 6x16 / (2) 7x16 and of course new tires. I bought the car as is. I knew that, I just wanted that car. left front 17"
having the tires/wheels installed. Front new, back old ugly modern.