[tonykgs2000]

Hi all,

I just bought my first 911, a 1985 Carrera. I had a little work done by a local Porsche mechanic and picked up the car today. In addition to other minor work, the fuses were all changed. After driving the car home (it started fine at the mechanic's), I tried this evening to drive it. The engine cranked but won't fire. Unfortunately, I've parked the car in my garage underground, which I doubt a tow truck will fit in. Do I even want AAA to come for this kind of problem? Any recommendations? Many thanks.

[Lupin..the..3rd]

Where are you located? "Metro DC" really doesn't tell us a whole lot.

[tonykgs2000]

i'm near dupont and logan circle

[Jazzbass]

Try a new DME relay. It's located under your driver's seat. The DME relay is a know failure point on these cars - it controls the fuel pump and the engine management system. If it's bad, no fuel and no spark.

If it starts tomorrow, there's a good chance that's the problem. The relay heats up and fails, cools down and works again. I have a spare you could borrow to test, but you'd have to go to Germantown to get it.

Order another one even if the one you have is fine. It's good to have a spare.

[tonykgs2000]

Chris,

thanks for the kind offer and very helpful info, thank you. from the pelican parts website i see "911-618-154-00-M252" at $30.50. is this the part you're speaking of? do i need to order any other parts along with it, according to this diagram:

http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/...03&Line_Item=2

[Jazzbass]

That's it.

BTW, if you can solder, you can fix yours (if that is the problem): http://dorkiphus.net/porsche/showthread.php?t=12684

[Dr K]

If it isn't the DME relay (which I agree is the mostly likely failure point on a Carrera), consider the flywheel sensors. If the mechanic's actions led to a larger-than-spec gap, that could keep the engine from firing. Ask me (or just about anyone on this board) how I know...

From whom did you buy the car? Was it local? Go to the threat "Introdouche Yourself" and post photos. We're pretty informal, and most of us (except the a$$#oles) post our first names or nicknames. I'm guessing yours is "Tony." Tell us a little more about yourself. Do you have DIY experience? Are you ready for Autocross and Drivers Ed?

Peter

[tonykgs2000]

Chris,

I read your fantastic post on DME relay repair. Nice one! I'll ring the mechanic in the AM and see what he has to say.

Is the relay an easy removal? Do I have to remove the driver's seat?

And Peter (not "Pete"), thanks to you too. I've now added a signature - oooooohhh! I've been on 2 wheels for 10 years and finally relented. I knew I was not going to own anything with no personality. I had that role covered myself already! So, this is my first 911 and I bought it off a guy near Philly who said he was active in PCA.

I'm not great on DIY - at least not on cars. My BMW bike never needs a THING done to it, so I didn't get too many chances to hone my skills there.

I am ready for Autocross and Driver's Ed. And, I already went to my first PCA auto show out in Virginia last weekend. It was a blast. Some absolute beauties there.

Tony

[tonykgs2000]

oops. forgot to post pics!

[Jazzbass]

Originally Posted by tonykgs2000

Is the relay an easy removal? Do I have to remove the driver's seat?

Removal isn't too bad and can be done w/ the seat in. The relay is bolted to the floor w/ an M6 bolt. Use a 10mm socket to remove and pull out from under the seat. Unplug, plug new relay in, reattach to the floor.

Nice car. Obviously, since you bought an 85, you have both taste and class.