912E ignition/starter problems

[PorscheWilly]

I have a 912E with Ignition/starter problems. The starter was replaced two days ago so that's not the problem exactly. I'll turn the key (with my foot off of the brake) and the starter won't engage and the only thing that is heard is the fuel pump pumpin fuel into the engine. In some cases, I'll put my foot on the brake as I turn the key and the starter will engage. Pretty wierd huh? It's not consistant however and somtimes won't work. It works reversely sometimes too. I'll put my foot on the brake and the starter won't engage, so I'll then take my foot off the brake and the starter will engage. Sometimes, it won't engage either way. Sounds pretty reliable huh? I've checked multiple grounds and all look fine and tight. I've cleaned a little corosion off of some wires off the battery. The problem has only been around for a few days and I'm looking for a little more trouble shooting advice. The only thing that I can think of as of right now is that there's a bad ground somewhere and when I put my foot on the brake, it helps in grounding some way. Any help or advice would be much appreciated! Thanks,
Porschewilly

[craign]

Willy,

I went through a weird one exactly like this a few months ago but it was when I pushed in clutch, sometimes it worked sometimes not. It ultimately turned out to be a burned contactor within the ignition switch, had a hole burned right through it.

On my 69-912 it is a pretty straight forward 1 wire from the ignition switch to the starter (yellow wire). I first verified I was getting power to the ignition switch. Then placed a simple light tester on the + (yellow) lead at the starter. Turned the key and no light on the tester. That is when I got real educated on the ignition switch and its internal workings.

Not sure how different the ignition switch would be for the 912E but I have the electrical of it documented, what contact gets power as what key postion etc. The starter contact should be the only wire on that contact and again I don't know if it would be a yellow wire for the 912E or not.

If you or anyone else wants that contact diagram drop me an e-mail at p912s@pacbell.net

Craig