Intermittent starting issues '89 930

[Stedders]

Hi,

I'm having some issues with my stock UK '89 930. Sometimes when I try and start it, it will turn over no problem but won't fire. Other times, it will start straight away without hesitation!

When it's not starting, there is definitely fuel, but no spark. I've read through the sticky for solutions and tried checking all the obvious things. I was confused by a lack of voltage to the coil with the ignition on but I've read somewhere the voltage is supplied by the CDI (which whines away by the way!)?

At the moment, it seems to be starting ok, which frustratingly makes it impossible to diagnose, but just wondered if anyone had any ideas as to what might be at fault to occasionally cause this problem?

Many thanks in advance for your help,

Stedders

[OZ 911]

Try checking your alternator output,needs to be 13.8/14.2volts at the battery.
My 83 had a similar starting issue-it would crank ok but would not fire...turned out the charge rate was too low.

[Jeff NJ]

My 88 930 did the exact same thing (intermittant starting issues) and it was the overboost relay (yellow one in the back left) that had a poor connection. I expanded the pins with a razor and cleaned the contacts and it has been fine ever since.

Next time it doesn't start, listen for the fuel pumps with the key in the On position. If you hear them, that will eliminate a lot of things. There are a number of things that can cause the fuel pumps to not run, but this is an easy one to check.

[Stedders]

Hi,

Thanks for the replies. I've been leaving the car on a trickle charger so seems like there's plenty of juice in the battery.

Also, checked the fuel pumps and they're running, but there wasn't a spark when it wasn't starting. At the moment it's starting every time, which in some ways is great, and in others is frustrating as it's not helping my diagnosis!

Any other ideas?

Kind regards,

Stedders

[krasuskyp]

you say there was no spark - you tested for it?

could be your accumulator is shot if you're sure you've got spark

miles?

did you read the "sticky" post at the top of the page here about common reasons for No Start? Lots of good info in there...

good luck... we've all been there

[Stedders]

Hi,

Yes I tested for spark and there was nothing. It's done 83k miles.

Forgive the ignorance, but what is the accumulator?