'88 944 shut off while driving.

devil956 · 01:56 AM

Was driving my 88 N/A a couple weeks back, shutoff going about 45-50 no noise, no warning. When I attempt to start it, it makes the starter whirring sound(had the starter checked out after removing it, a-ok).

However it does not crank or turn over. I am just wondering if anyone has any ideas as to what it may be, or if they may have experienced this issue? I know this is my first post, but from checking this place out, it looks like the place for a 944 fellow to be.

I appreciate in advance, any ideas/help that you guys can provide.

Thanks, Jake

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E60YpeF-8Nw

devil956 · 02-27-2017, 01:49 AM

Hello again,

did some searching on youtube and found a video with a 944 that has the exact same problem, and makes the same sound. Unfortunately it received no replies so I am still in the dark, but it may help someone better understand my issue.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E60YpeF-8Nw

Thanks, Jake

944 Ecology · 02-27-2017, 03:22 AM

It sounds like you have no compression.

Check the timing belt. Check the cam chain and tensioner between the two camshafts.

Good luck, gb

Jfrahm · 02-27-2017, 03:32 AM

"Cranks" and "turns over" are the same thing so maybe you mean no crank, no fire.
It seems weird that it won't crank over after dying on the highway. Your video sounds pretty bad so maybe it is cranking but the top end is all smashed up. Your post says 944NA but your video says 944S and the redline looks like a 944S redline? Hard to say.

Normally dying is caused by a bad DME relay so if you do not have a smashed valvetrain it's worth trying the DME relay jumper from clarks-garage and carry one in your car for the future.

If you have valvetrain issues and it's a 16v it'd be evident with the cam cover off or sometimes you can feel the centermost cam cover bolt is loose as it threads into the cam chain tensioner, which gets torn off if not serviced.

In the case of either 8v or 16v you can look at the timing belt through the little inspection hole, you can remove the distributor cap and see if the rotor is turning, and if the belt is in place and the rotor turns when you crank that junk over then you can check to see if the cam timing has maybe slipped.

If you have a 16v 944S and wish to remove the cam cover please wait for some tips as it is easy to break the cam cover bolts and they are not cheap.

-Joel.

Jfrahm · 02-27-2017, 03:43 AM

Oh, that video of the 944S that sounds like a spoon in a garbage disposal is like 4 years old. So not your car.

v2rocket_aka944 · 02-27-2017, 08:02 AM

+1 to checking the belt
also try tapping the starter "gently" with a rubber hammer...sometimes the solenoid gets stuck and needs a love tap

devil956 · 02-27-2017, 11:19 AM

Thanks for the replies fellas. I will check on the afformentioned ideas and report back.
The video is not of my car, or my model. But it apparently has the same problem as it is making the exact same sound, the post editing reason is not exactly in large text so I understand why most of you, including me at first could not see it.

Thanks and talk soon, Jake

Toran · 02-28-2017, 04:55 AM

Make sure your J-Boot is on tight!

DannoXYZ · 02-28-2017, 03:36 PM

Also feel the DME box to make sure it's not overheating. One of the common issues with these cars. Someone went to far as to cut a big hole and added a PC fan to keep the box cool. I also had a box that would randomly cut out and overheat. Let it sit for a while and cool, then it started up again. Replaced with different DME box that didn't overheat and all's well for past 5-years.

Roger 911 · Roger 911's Garage

FWIW, I went through the random cut out, no start issues with my '86 951. Replaced everything, including DME, AFM, relays, sensors, etc., etc. It turned out to be cracked wiring harnesses for both the crank sensors and the fuel injectors. After replacing these, no more random cut outs or no-starts. Add it to your list!

Bradical · 03-03-2017, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roger 911

FWIW, I went through the random cut out, no start issues with my '86 951. Replaced everything, including DME, AFM, relays, sensors, etc., etc. It turned out to be cracked wiring harnesses for both the crank sensors and the fuel injectors. After replacing these, no more random cut outs or no-starts. Add it to your list!

I had this exact experience almost verbatim.