928 won't start on key - Help please

[carrerachimaera]

928 S2 Manual.Never had this problem with a car before! The car refuses to start on the ignition but will readily 'bump' start (I know I shouldn't bump it before anyone tells me).On turning the ignition the engine turns over and I am getting good sparks and can smell fuel.The fuel pressure guage (aftermarket) reads 50lbs, so plenty there.When the engine starts after bumping it runs well without any smoke etc.Have replaced both coils, checked dizzy,fitted new correct spec battery, fitted new plugs.Any ideas what's happening???? Colin

[cheburator]

carrerachimaera said:

928 S2 Manual.Never had this problem with a car before! The car refuses to start on the ignition but will readily 'bump' start (I know I shouldn't bump it before anyone tells me).On turning the ignition the engine turns over and I am getting good sparks and can smell fuel.The fuel pressure guage (aftermarket) reads 50lbs, so plenty there.When the engine starts after bumping it runs well without any smoke etc.Have replaced both coils, checked dizzy,fitted new correct spec battery, fitted new plugs.Any ideas what's happening???? Colin

Strange indeed... Never had that one before on any of my 928s. Try asking the same question on [url]www.rennlist.com[/url], which is your best source for any 928 technical info. [url]www.928.org.uk[/url] or do a search for 928GB on yahoogroups, which could be helpfull too. BTW - did you manage to sort out the oil breather problem on the beast?

[carrerachimaera]

Thanks Cheburator.I still haven't sorted the oil breather yet - my priorities have shifted (ie this thread!)

[verysideways]

I've experienced a similar problem before - turned out to be the earth lead on the battery (and no, i'm not joking).

The started is draining so much current when you turn the engine over that there isn't enough power in the sparks to ignite the mixture. So the spark plugs are still apparently sparking (pull one out and hold it against the block and it spark at the appropriate times) but the damn thing never kicks. Bump start is no problem.

Battery seemed fine and alternator was charging ok, but noticed earth lead on battery was bolted to chassis rail at a rusty section. Took the earth strap off and cleaned up the "contact patch" and then re-applied the earth strap and bolted it down tight.

Hey presto, problem solved.

May not be your problem, but worth a thought if you've tried everything else...

[sheepy]

Engine earth is also worth checking

[carrerachimaera]

Thanks Verysideways.Funny you should mention the strap! I had someone look over the car and he mentioned the battery to chassis strap was in very poor condition.He swapped it out for a VERY heavy earth lead but I don't recall any 'cleaning' of the chassis where it attatches.I shall wire brush that patch tonight and see.

[carrerachimaera]

Sheepy - do you know where the engine to chassis earth strap is on a 928? I can't find it.

[silver993tt]

carrerachimaera said:

Sheepy - do you know where the engine to chassis earth strap is on a 928? I can't find it.

maybe you found your problem

[carrerachimaera]

Just maybe :eek

[sheepy]

I've no idea where to find it, I've only owned my 928 for four days!!

[carrerachimaera]

Hi Sheepy.I've left a message on your thread.I thought I recognised the car park.Mine was in at Paul Anderson's to have a new pair of head gaskets fitted prior to Christmas!