924Board.org

chilippr · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 18

I have an 82 NA 924 which I use very infrequently as a DE car. After periods of storage on other cars I've used this way, I always cranked the engines without ignition activated to get oil pressure up before actually starting.
I see from the Haynes Manual that the Hall effect module must be disconnected or the coil grounded in order to do this on my car without damaging the ignition system.
Any thoughts on this and/or recommended procedures would be appreciated.
Thanks,
chilippr

Roger · Joined: 06 Jan 2003 Posts: 1235 Location: Cordova, TN

I have a little tool that measures spark. It is basicaly a screw that a spark plug wire fits on. then a spring clip that attaches to a ground. It cost about $3. By turning the screw the gap can be adjusted from fully closed to about 1 1/2 inches. I simply close it attach the coil wire and ground it to the engine block. That prevents the spark from reaching the distributor.
_________________
1981 924 NA

Some people are like Slinkies. Not really good for anything, but you
still can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs.

Smoothie · Posted: Thu Feb 27, 2003 1:27 pm Post subject:

I've learned not to believe everything the Haynes says, but in this case it can't hurt and I have read and/or heard of doing it on other cars with electronic ignition. The coil wire grounding is at least a good precaution and easy enough to do. That said, I know on at least two occasions after messing around with things in the engine compartment, I've hopped in the car and tried to start it having forgotten to either reconnect or ground the coil wire. No major damage or any damage that I can definitely connect to it has resulted from this bit of sloppiness. I do have one mysteriously fried looking resistor on my digital ignition timing controls' circuit board, but the car still runs fine with it.

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"..it's made in Germany. You know the Germans always make good stuff."

'82 924T, US version, dark green metallic, 5 speed Audi 016G gearbox

chilippr · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 18

Thanks for the replies. I'll just ground the coil as you both suggest.

CMXXXI · Joined: 05 Nov 2002 Posts: 1939 Location: Vicksburg, MS

Are you saying that if I remove the primary lead from the coil to the distributor, and crank the engine, that I'm going to (or have) harm the ignition system?!?! I've never heard of such...

Can someone elaborate please.
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'79 Eurospec 931

Roger · Joined: 06 Jan 2003 Posts: 1235 Location: Cordova, TN

I am not really sure that you will harm the ignition system. It is a procedure that is in the Haynes. Since the coil produces thoushands of volts it is a good idea to ground it. I could not explain why it would cause damage.
_________________
1981 924 NA

Some people are like Slinkies. Not really good for anything, but you
still can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs.

Paul · Posted: Fri Feb 28, 2003 10:12 am Post subject:

IMO you should be worried about turning the fuel off not the ignition. Cranking the motor with the ignition grounded or off, simply puts raw gas in your oil pan and catalytic converter.

Just pull the fuse for the fuel pump or the fuel pump relay and crank away.

Roger · Joined: 06 Jan 2003 Posts: 1235 Location: Cordova, TN

Some procedures require pulling the coil wire. One of those procedures is checking the fuel output. If you pull the fuse or relay you would not be able to check the fuel output. I am not saying it is necessary to groung the coil wire. Its just simple and a good precaution.
_________________
1981 924 NA

Some people are like Slinkies. Not really good for anything, but you
still can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs.