1.7 D Jet no park issue

[derm.1785]

Hi, I’m getting frustrated with my 914 and a no start problem, I’ve checked the LT and HT side of the ignition and all tests good. I have a clean spark at the points when I flick with a small screwdriver and when I put the coil HT lead to earth and flick the points, but when I do exactly the same but using the key to turn the engine I get nothing at all ??? I’ve changed points/coil/condenser but no change. Engine was running fine last week and just decided to not fire up this week. HT leads are new too, I’ve also soldered a wire across the rotor to test and still nothing. I know it must be something simple but I seem to be going round and round with it. HELP PLEASE. Ta

[Zuffenwerker]

Sounds like you don’t have power going to the coil when cranking. I would check that first.

Daniel

[derm.1785]

I have power at the coil with ignition on, not sure about cranking so I’ll check that and report back.

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

Sometimes the ignition switch has a failure mode where it powers off the "switched power" circuits when cranking. Definitely check to see if there is power to the coil when cranking.

--DD

[derm.1785]

Dave and Zuffenwerker you are both right, I cranked the engine with voltmeter connected and it drops to less than 1 volt, so ignition on 12.5 volt and when cranking it drops to 0.6 volt, thanks guys but any ideas why this is suddenly happening and how to fix it ??

[bowlsby]

Replace the plastic portion of the ignition switch. Only use the Porsche brand, avoid the aftermarkets switches.

[derm.1785]

Ok. I’ll give that a go. I’ll let you know how I get on

[Zuffenwerker]

Sounds like a bad ignition switch. You could pull it out and do some testing with a meter to confirm. If the switch is not the culprit I have another theory but hopefully that’s it.

Daniel

[derm.1785]

Well I swapped out the ignition switch for a spare and turns out that it was the culprit after all. Thanks for your swift replies and diagnosis of the problem. I may have found the issue but it would have taken me weeks to narrow it down. Thanks again all.

[Hydepark]

i think @zuffenwerker is actually correct