964 not getting fuel/won't start

[83targa]

I have a 964 that does not seem to be getting fuel. I have replaced the fuel pump and still nothing, The car turns over fine, If you squirt a bit of starting fluid in the airbox it will fire so i guess by that the DME is good. Any ideas on how to trace this down? thanks

[crg53]

Do you have fuel pressure to the fuel rails on either bank? I do not know the best way to check this, but one option would be to take one fuel line off and hold it into a can, and then get somebody else to turn on the ignition. It is my understanding that the fuel pump is activated when the key is turned to the ON position.
Another problem could be a clocked fuel filter.
Just my 2Cents

[Lukesportsman]

I'm fairly new to my 964 but here are my ideas:
1. test for power at pump connection
2. check for good ground at pump
3. fuse
4. relay
5. audio check or tactile to see if pump is running
6. sounds dumb, did you check fuel level and make sure pump is primed don't assume gauge is working
7. does 964 have two pumps like some of the earlier cars?
8. test for fluid flow before and after filter
9. audio test to hear for injectors firing not as loud as mfi but can be heard without engine running
10. pull an injector and look for out put. Will only fire if engine turning over.
11. don't use too much ethanol. May even use a mist of gas not too wash down piston walls
12. did you check intake for air leaks at the crossover tubes and resonance tube

Good luck

[Don Settergren]

I've read that the DME is part of the relay system that energizes the fuel pump. The engine needs to be spinning (speed sensor on drivers side checks it) to energize the fuel pump. You should get on top of the problem with the steps listed above by Lukesportsman. Good luck!

[83targa]

I am having trouble checking the power. I am using a lighted probe and getting nothing with the key to the on position. Should I hear the pump with the key on??? or does it only come on with the motor turning over?? Is there a way to test or jump the pump. I purchased it used from this site and the guy said it worked fine??? Now I wonder?? Thanks for the help

[Juan911]

take a look at my thread http://forums.pelican parts.com/Porsche-964-993-technical-forum/502121-problems-gas-pump.HTML I wasn't able to get my car started until I had help from these wonderful people. Now I've been driving my car with no issues. Please take a look and let me know how it goes. Good luck.

[colescrogham]

You're on the right track, I have had plenty of 964's with this issue and it almost always goes back to the pump. The pump is located under the front of the car in its own little hideaway just behind the suspension, but I assume you found that if you say you changed it. They get stuck if left sitting, sometimes you can free them up but most often you just need to replace it (be happy you don't have an MFI car).
You will only hear or feel the pump run after the key has energized the starter solenoid, then it will run a few seconds and turn off unless the engine runs. Check the fuse, I forget the # but it is about 5 from the bottom on the side closest to you, there is a little yellow tool to remove the fuse in the fusebox, and a few spares there as well. I believe is is a 20amp fuse. You can also check the DME relay and hear an audible click when the key activates, I think its #56 and you can trade a few non-essential relays to make sure it works.
I'd bet the problem is inside the pump itself. Hope that helps.
Cole

[83targa]

Thanks. I have jumped the fuel pump and am getting fuel to the rails. I talked to the guy I bought the car from and he gave some more info. He said that when he bought the car it had sat for a year. He drained the fuel and checked the oil. He said the oil did not register on the dip stick so he added oil until it checked on the dip stick. SO he started the car and let it run for a few minutes. He said he has never seen so much smoke. He checked the oil again and it was OVER filled. He took th fil cap off and oil poured out. He drained it and added the proper amount. So Now that i am getting fuel it will only fire every so often but will not run. I am thinking the plugs may be fouled or shot from the oil mishap. Does this sound like a possibility???

[colescrogham]

Aha, the plot thickens! You will need to change all the plugs. Have fun with the one below the power steering pump and the front muffler...I would also go ahead and change the oil/filter again so that you absolutely know you have the right amount. You should take all the plugs out, give each hole a little squirt of carb cleaner and then turn the engine over with the starter to clean the leftover oil from the combustion chamber (with all the plugs removed). Also, take the center plenum off the engine along with the air filter assembly and clean all the oil out that you can. I wouldn't try to start it again out of fear that the cylinder will hydraulic lock from fluid in the combustion chamber and possibly bend a connecting rod or damage a piston. The good news is that once you have done this, the engine should start and run no problem. It will still smoke on startup but should keep getting better as it warms up and burns the oil out. The extra servicing probably won't hurt either.

[83targa]

Yes, funny the things people FORGET to mention when they are selling something!!!! Any tricks to reaching the plugs?? What is the proper amount of oil with a filter change? and does this car have dual plugs? I see the top and can trace the plug wires from one of the 2 distributers but not sure of the others? I really appreciate all the help. This 964 is much different than my 911SC so I am learning all over. I am looking for a new 101 book on the 964.

[colescrogham]

You'll have to remove the power steering pump from the housing using the allen bolts and pinch off the feed line (or remove the fluid). Its not that bad but be patient because it will take some time. There are 2 sets of plugs, upper and lower with ID marks on each plug wire. The lower valve covers have plastic clips to hold the wires in place, but you'll have to remove the insulation covers to get to them. I would put 8 quarts back in it and then warm the engine up until it settles down a bit, then add as needed when warm.

[Don Settergren]

Here's some DIY steps for replacing the 964's sparkplugs I found on Rennlist. Its some work, but it'll asve you some $$$.

RennTech.org Forums > changing spark splugs and O2 sensor on a 964

[83targa]

Thanks for the link! I was able to remove all the plugs with no problem. Glad I did this as a mouse had built a condo complex between the motor and the skid pan. I was able to get the plug out with out removing the PWR steering pump. I hope to have the new plugs in and oil changed today and hope it fires right up. Then I can move on to some other issues.

[colescrogham]

Don't forget to clean the oil out of the intake plenum!

[83targa]

Thanks to all! I got it started. Its not running real smooth. I think it has a miss. so i will check the plug wires and make sure they are on right.

[Don Settergren]

Is it running really rough or just some small misses? If rough, then you are right about the sparkplug wires. If just a little off and the gas is old, add some octane boost and as much fresh gas as you can. I ran some fuel injection cleaner in mine and I actually heard\felt an improvement.

Congratulations. Please wash her and post a photo - glory shot!!

I'd also love to hear about the '48 Pontiac and '38 Dodge if you have time...

[rt964]

Since this is a dual distributor & plug, make sure the belt to the second distributor is good, easy to get something out of sync if not marked.