Good ol' "944 spontaneously dies" issue

[Drover]

Hi Folks:

I'm considering purchasing a 1987 944 N/A. One of the problems it has is the engine spontaneously cutting out. I've done some research on the subject and the 3 most common causes, in order of prevalence, seem to be:

a) Bad DME relay
b) Bad DME unit
c) Bad fuel pressure regulator

From what I've read, if the fuel pressure regulator is bad, the car typically will not start at all, or will start and run for a few seconds and then die. Is that always the case, or is it possible for a 944 with a bad FPR to start up, run fine for a half an hour and then stall?

Also, the owner claims that often the car will usually re-start if he jiggles the big red harness under the steering column. Is it possible there's a loose/corroded connection in this harness or is it a false diagnosis?

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[fty]

Check the ignition switch, thats what was the cuase of my problem, make sure the ignition wires are ok too-chris

[SoCal Driver]

Originally posted by Drover
Hi Folks:

I'm considering purchasing a 1987 944 N/A. One of the problems it has is the engine spontaneously cutting out.

Also, the owner claims that often the car will usually re-start if he jiggles the big red harness under the steering column. Is it possible there's a loose/corroded connection in this harness or is it a false diagnosis?

As was just mentioned; ignition switch.

[Drover]

Thanks for the replies.

Thing is, even when it won't start (until said wire is jiggled), it still turns over. If it were a bad ignition switch, wouldn't it not turn over? (forgive the double negative...) How is it the switch can send the signal to fire up the starter but not send the signal to actually start the car? Is it two different connections?

[SoCal Driver]

Yes. Two different circuits. Two different contacts in the switch.

[Drover]

Thanks for your help folks. I come to find out it's actually a 924S, which suits me just fine. I've put half down on the car. In a week it's mine.

[SoCal Driver]

924S is setup basically the same as the early 944's. The DME unit is mounted to the bottom of the steering column. This may be the large harness that the PO is refering to. Think mine is a gray sheath and not red.

[vital-transform]

I am in the same issue right now as well PM me and we can compare notes

[Drover]

New switch, car stopped dying... but new problems/issues. First, perhaps a bad thermostat? At cruising speed the needle stays way over to the left. When idling it will swing fairly far to the right (about a tick and a half from the red) before the fan kicks in. Also, the oil pressure gauge stays pretty much pegged at 5. At idle maybe it will drop down to 4. ???

[Drover]

Oh, and what the hell is that little orange arrow on my tach? I'd swear it was a shift light but it never lights up even as I swing the tach to redline.

[vital-transform]

CASIS SEE THE OWNERS MANUAL

[Drover]

Originally posted by vital-transform
CASIS SEE THE OWNERS MANUAL

If only I could find the thing. It was in the glove box when I test drove it. It has since disappeared. I still owe the guy $50 for various administrative things; I think I'll hold it hostage in exchange for the owner's manual.

[pokey]

If he doesnt coughit up,I'll scan relevant pages from mine and post them.

[Drover]

Hi Pokey:

Turns out what I thought was the owner's manual was actually the warranty and maintenance book. I'd greatly appreciate it if you could scan the appropriate pages for me.

As for the other two items I mentioned, a) it looks like the thermostat is indeed stuck open. Silly me to think that wouldn't be such a big deal. On my other car, a boffed-up thermostat meant taking off a hose, yanking it out, putting in a new one, and putting the hose back on. Oh, but not on a 944, of course. Nope, looks like you gotta get to the water pump. That chaps my ass because I just had that part of the car torn apart to put in a timing belt, balance shaft belt, and new seals. So now I get to spend the money on labor again to install a $20 part. Yay!

As for the oil pressure, research suggests what I suspected: bad sending unit. Knowing the way things have gone so far, I'll have to tear apart the transmission to get at the oil sending unit.

[Tishabet]

Hey Drover,
Replacing the thermostat with the pump on the car is difficult but do-able. Do yourself a BIG favor and buy some snap ring plyers before tackling this job.

[Tishabet]

heres a link to the thermostat replacement procedure from Clark's Garage.

[vital-transform]

the pressure sender is easy if you have a lift otherwise you will need to lay on the ground and slide underneath the car for access...
I think there are 2 size thermostats one for the old style WP and one for the new (different spacers?) is anybody an expert on this?

[Drover]

Tshabet:

I appreciate the links and the advice, but I have neither the tools, the space nor the mechanical inclination to do this myself. It goes into the shop.

Meanwhile, what are the potential consequences of having it run cool all the time? The temp is fine for around-town puttering; it's not until I do some highway cruising that it goes waaay down. Should I avoid highway trips until the thermostat is fixed?

[pokey]

On a lot of cars, running cold,or without a thermostat, will cause it to ru somewhat rich.

[gtroth]

As I remember it, CASIS light means the engine can operate at higher efficiency with the same performance (same acceleration) if you upshift. I seem to remember it might mean other things at different times. I'd go get my manual but my car is a few blocks from here at the bottom of a hill unable to climb it in the snow. Nice walk home, though.