1983 911SC Won't Start

Gary Martinelli · 10-01-2016, 10:07 AM

My '83 911SC has been run very little this year. It started and ran fine about six weeks ago, but now, I can't start it. It turns over normally, and "catches" (starts briefly...about a second) then dies on me. Anything jump out as something special I should check such as a sensor, etc? Never had trouble with this before. Also, the warm-up regulator was replaced a couple of years ago. Any advice is appreciated.

Joe Bob · Joe Bob's Garage

Air fuel spark. Check fuel by spraying ether into the intake. Sounds like the fuel pump maybe be on it's last legs.

Bob Ashlock · 10-01-2016, 10:31 AM

Get a helper and connect a spare, grounded spark plug too one of the plug wires and crank engine. Have helper watch spark plug to determine if you have spark. Very common for the CDI unit to intermittently/spontaneously die.

Gary Martinelli · 10-01-2016, 11:44 AM

Thank you both for your suggestions on where to start. I thought it might be good to check if there was a frequent problem with a sensor or something. Makes sense to start with the basics.

vintagecarlover · 10-01-2016, 01:38 PM

Subd.

don gilbert · don gilbert's Garage

All the above, except for the ether part. Prime it up by lifting the flapper. Prob just to high of control press. to bust off.

garment · garment's Garage

Had the same issue with my '83 a few weeks back. Used the great help from the board to solve - dead CDI. See my thread. Suggest you do the spark test first. Good luck!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary Martinelli

My '83 911SC has been run very little this year. It started and ran fine about six weeks ago, but now, I can't start it. It turns over normally, and "catches" (starts briefly...about a second) then dies on me. Anything jump out as something special I should check such as a sensor, etc? Never had trouble with this before. Also, the warm-up regulator was replaced a couple of years ago. Any advice is appreciated.