1983 944 my first PORSCHE HELP

[ScoobysPop]

thos1983 944 non turbo sat outdoors for 5 plus years. everything was dead when it arrived by tow. so i got a mew battery out it in. Yea it cranks but wont start. I then shoot some carb cleaner into the air intake box it coughs then starts rums about 6 seconds. I checked for power at the pump with no joy. I put 12v straight to the pump and it roars to life. While back there i noticed a cracked fuel line from tank to pump. wound up draining the tank getting a ton of rust out and replaced the tank strainer and connected it all back together. I pulled the relay checked it BAD I replace it . Add fuel and tank treatment1 .When i crank her over but she wont start. Checked for 12v at the pump. Nothing. Im stuck. Please help!!! THANKS

[mikepellegrini]

May I be the first to welcome you to the wonderful world of 944's!

Clark's garage shop manual is your best friend. the part on troubleshooting is here.

However, if the car sat for five years and you don't have a clear idea of exactly when the timing belt was last changed, may I suggest that you change the timing and balance shaft belts before doing anything else. 944's have an interference engine and if the timing belt breaks, you're gonna end up with a whole bunch of bent valves, which is expensive and time-consuming to replace.

[Gianni at Pelican Parts]

We also have a plethora of "How To" Tech Articles available on our site for the 924/944 chassis. From motor rebuilds to concours restorations, our founder Wayne has put together helpful articles for the community.

[TibetanT]

First and foremost, "Welcome to Porsche ownership" and do as Mike ^^^ above has mentioned and get some belts changed; timing belt and balance shaft belt.

Second, most likely the DME/ECU brain could be bad and that is why there is no signal to the fuel injectors to fire. Because the car sat outside for 5-years there is a good chance that water leaked into the car and killed/damaged the DME/ECU computer. This unit is under the passenger-side floor board right under the dash and glove box. You will have to pull up the carpet and remove some bolts/nuts to access it.

Third, in view of the fact that the car sat for a very long time your fuel injectors could be blocked due to bad fuel, so they may need cleaning.

Also don't forget the basics such as, spark plugs, distributor cap/rotor and wires. Test them all or replace with new.

Did the car come with records? If so, read them to assess where you stand with maintenance and why the car is not starting. My best guess is the "brain" computer may be dead since you said the car ran for 6-seconds with starting fluid.

Good luck with your car!

[mattdavis11]

His DME is under the steering wheel. Not much chance it went bad because of a water leak.

New relay might be bad straight out of the box. Check fuses also.

Oh, and welcome! Manual steering rack or power?

[88Silver924S]

When you said the fuel tank had "a ton of rust" a contributing factor could be a clogged fuel filter. However I expect the wiring/relay/fuse to the pump is what's keeping you off the road.

You said the fuel line from tank to pump was leaking; how are the lines under the hood? Old and hard and cracked? You don't want an engine fire.

Keep us updated on your progress.

Good luck.

[TibetanT]

Originally Posted by mattdavis11

His DME is under the steering wheel. Not much chance it went bad because of a water leak.

New relay might be bad straight out of the box. Check fuses also.

Oh, and welcome! Manual steering rack or power?

Hey Matt:

"Thank you" for keeping me honest !
I have never worked on an older 944, only late versions 1985.5 - and up.

I learn something new everyday.


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