964 wont start?!

[ozmatt964]

Hi all,

I have recently purchased a 1989 964 C4, and all has been good. Last week I was o/s and apparently it rained alot while I was away. (not sure if this info is needed).

Anyway, I went to go for a drive yesterday and the car won't start. The engine cranks, but won't fire.

I tried locking and unlocking the car several times, and also reset the alarm via the key fob. In the end, the battery is now pretty drained from my unsuccessful starting attempts. (I haven't had this issue before). I will trickle charge the battery tonight.

Is it possible water can get in to the distributor or somewhere else that would stop the engine from firing? Any suggestions?

Thanks

[964targa]

I'd check the DME relay/DME first... Although i'm not sure how water could get into the DME/Relay as they in the boot and under the driver seat. Rain might be a coincidence.

Always good to have a spare DME relay and fuses anyway, Pelican sells them at a reasonable price.

-Paul

[Tall02]

I would check the spark and fuel first but do not perform this test unless you are a qualified mechanic that knows how to perform these tests safely.

- I would pull the caps off both distributors and have some one turn over the engine just enough to see if both rotors are rotating (this confirms that your distributor belt has not broken).

- Next I would pull one spark plug cable and install a SPARE spark plug on the cable and ground it. Do not pull any of your spark plugs from the engine to perform this test. Remember you have a second spark plug in each cylinder and if the engine fires you do not want a flame coming out of the spark plug hole. Use a spare plug for this test. Crank the engine over a few turns to determine if the spark plug is getting any electrical spark.

- Reconnect the spark plug wire and turn the engine over a few times. Now pull one or two spark plugs from different cylinders and inspect the plug for any fresh fuel on the plug.

- If you have spark and fuel then I would try starting the engine without the air filter to determine if you have a plugged filter. If it starts then immediately replace the air filter.

Good luck

[ozmatt964]

Would you believe the car started last night. Got the jumper leads out and she kicked over first go.

I will have to keep an eye on this and will look in to your suggestions should this occur again. Thanks guys.

[CT944]

I have had similar situations and a full charge on the battery is now where I start. Glad you get it running