1980 sc won't start?

[Paintboss67]

I purchased a 1980 sc with 75k miles. Great car but won't start. I've sprayed it with starter fluid but it makes no attempt to turn over.

What should I be looking for? Thanks guys

[mhackney]

More information is needed, please be detailed. Like where did you spray starter fluid. Where are you located? (weather/temp can have an impact plus there may be a Pelican in the area that might be able to help.) How long have you had the car and did this problem just appear? The more detail, the better.

"no attempt to turn over" - does this mean that the starter motor is not even engaging to turn over the motor or that the motor is turning over but not firing?

In any case, the diagnostics are check for spark and fuel first. If those check out, we move on to "air".

1) are you getting spark? Do you know how to test this?
2) are you getting fuel? Do you have a fuel pressure gauge (an absolute must have for SC owners IMO) and have you tested the fuel system?
3) air is a little tricker for CIS systems but if we need to go there, you'll find plenty of help here.

[Omegaman]

Does it start if you bump it in gear?

[Joe Bob]

CIS is all about fuel pressure, then spark and air. Check for spark....does the CDI box whine when the key is turned? Did you have a back fire last time it ran?

Gauges are a good tool to have for diagnosis on start up pressure. Does the fuel pump run when key is on and the flapper in the air box is lifted?

[Paintboss67]

Thanks guys. I live in northern NJ. I haven't dug too deep into yet. The car didn't start when I bought it a few months ago. I haven't checked any of those things yet but will try this week. I've got a few other (6) cars in my garage and wanted to find a mechanic who is willing to work part time on 911s (73.5-81) if there's anyone out there.

[boyt911sc]

Originally Posted by Paintboss67

Thanks guys. I live in northern NJ. I haven't dug too deep into yet. The car didn't start when I bought it a few months ago. I haven't checked any of those things yet but will try this week. I've got a few other (6) cars in my garage and wanted to find a mechanic who is willing to work part time on 911s (73.5-81) if there's anyone out there.

Painthouse,

I will be back home next week. PM me your address and telephone number. Need to drive my cars out after being away for almost a full month. I will take a quick look at your engine and give you some tips to get it running. Keep us posted.

Tony

[JJ 911SC]

Originally Posted by Paintboss67

... I've sprayed it with starter fluid but it makes no attempt to turn over...

No sparks

[boyt911sc]

Originally Posted by Paintboss67

I purchased a 1980 sc with 75k miles. Great car but won't start. I've sprayed it with starter fluid but it makes no attempt to turn over.

What should I be looking for? Thanks guys

Were you able to crank the engine with the starter? The engine won't start if you were unable to crank the engine. So what did you mean 'no attempt to turn over'? Engine cranking but won't run? Be more specific. Thanks.

Tony

[Richard C2S]

Paintboss,

Tony (boyt911sc) is the best. Super knowledgeable.

[boyt911sc]

Originally Posted by Richard C2S

Paintboss,

Tony (boyt911sc) is the best. Super knowledgeable.

CORRECTION:

I am not the best nor super knowledgeable, just another DIYer that enjoys CIS troubleshooting. Thanks for the compliment. The more difficult the problem, the more I like to get involved and I am still looking for a CIS problem that a typical DIYer like you or me could not diagnosed correctly. The difference is that I spent a lot of time researching and testing CIS components to learn and understand how they operate. Reading technical bulletins and manuals are not enough. There is no substitute for hands-on experience.

Tony