924Board.org

[Revis Rose]

Having trouble starting my '81 924. I hear a clicking from the fuel pump relay, until it starts then it starts to buzz. But the car will only run for 30 seconds or so before dieing. I had another relay and put it in, and it did the same thing. (rueling out the relay)
What could be causing the relay to click on and off? If you look at the suppemental scamatic on pages 291 & 292 of the Haynes manual, it is not very clear as to what would cause this noise. The clicking is in synch with the starter motor and when the engine fires the clicking becomes a buzz, rising with the RPM's. So my first thought was coil, but if that were it the car wouldn't even start. Control unit of some kind? And if so how do you test them?

Any help will be appreciated.

[924RACR]

I never trust a relay... try jumping it instead with a heavy wire. I have a wire made up in my toolbox specifically for this.

_________________
Vaughan Scott
Webmeister
'79 924 #77 SCCA H Prod racecar
'82 931 Plat. Silver
#25 Hidari Firefly P2 sports prototype

[Revis Rose]

Ok, I did as was sugested, and yes it jumpering between termials 30 and 87, made the pumps run and the motor started! So I went to the local "Shrugs" Auto Parts store and they sould me a relay that was the "replacement" for the factory relay. I got it and pluged it in. And nothing! So I took it back. I then went to "Napster" Auto Parts, and ordered the relay by the Porsche part number. And guess what? Tthey sold me the same part as the last place, but in a differant box.

Regardless, let's assume that I have the right relay. What would cause the relays contacts not pick up? Remembering that the car runs fine with the jumper in place.
Any help will be greatly appreciated.