944 with a 3.8 problem.. - GM Performance Tuning

3.8944 · #1 (**permalink**) 03-14-2006, 02:55 AM

alright guys, ive got a porsche 944, with, i think, a series 1 3.8. now it was running REALLY well when i bought it. then a week later, after i started it, and killed it, it wouldnt start back up. now, this car is not FI anymore, there is a holley 2 barrel on it. its getting fuel to the motor. it spins over just fine. now, ive pulled random plug wires, no spark. i was wondering, what i can check to fix this problem. it has the coil packs on it as well. if someone needs me to take detailed pictures, i can, i just need to know what pictures to take.

GMTuners.net · #2 (**permalink**) 03-14-2006, 03:54 PM

damn, i gotta dig deep on my porsche knowledge, have you checked the alternator and battery?

3.8944 · #3 (**permalink**) 03-14-2006, 05:35 PM

yeah, its all good. i think it has something to do with the coil packs. would pictures help? to see what im working with? its more the motor than a porsche problem, i think.

jeremy96gase · #4 (**permalink**) 03-14-2006, 06:46 PM

Make sure to check the connections between the Coil pack and where ever the coil gets it's power from too.
Doesn't sound like a alt or battery problem because it's turning over.
You might want to contact the previous owner and ask him about the problem, maybe he/she hit this issue before. (or ask him who put the car together and ask for there contact info).

jbmx4life · #5 (**permalink**) 03-15-2006, 12:33 AM

maybe either bad coil packs, bad crank sensor, or bad ignition control module (under the coils packs?)...

3.8944 · #6 (**permalink**) 03-15-2006, 01:34 AM

alright, this thing had a mechanics lein on it. so, i dont know who the PO is. anyway, its got to one of those three things. how much do those various items run? anyone have an extra crank sensor that is good?

jbmx4life · #7 (**permalink**) 03-15-2006, 02:47 AM

crank sensor is the cheapest so try that first. The coil packs would be the next cheapest (individually speaking) but you would need 3 of them unless you can find the exact culprit but it doesn't sound like the coil packs are at fault since it won't fire at all. Your last and prolly best bet after the crank sensor would be the ignition control module. The one that I bought for my 89 Beretta GT with a 2.8L in it was $80 but I dunno how much yours "might" cost.

GMTuners.net · #8 (**permalink**) 03-15-2006, 03:14 AM

i used to know the 82-84 porsches quite well cause my bro was gonna get one, unfortunately its been about 2 years since we were looking at them so alot of their general problems have slipped out of my head. have you tried hitting up some of the porsche forums online to see if this is a common problem?

Josh · #9 (**permalink**) 03-15-2006, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GMTuners.net

i used to know the 82-84 porsches quite well cause my bro was gonna get one, unfortunately its been about 2 years since we were looking at them so alot of their general problems have slipped out of my head. have you tried hitting up some of the porsche forums online to see if this is a common problem?

yeah but did it have a gm 3.8 in it?

GMTuners.net · #10 (**permalink**) 03-15-2006, 12:51 PM

heh, i feel stupid, shoot me.

06slobolt · #11 (**permalink**) 03-18-2006, 05:40 PM

you wont exactly see the spark coming out of the spark wire unless it has a path to ground. make sure thats your problem before you go spending alot of money. If the car had a lein on it chances are its a problem the mechanic couldnt fix so the guy didnt want to spend the money and just gave up the car. crank sensor does sound like a likely cause though

3.8944 · #12 (**permalink**) 03-22-2006, 12:12 AM

i know how to check for spark, the improper way:) there isnt any spark. the car is from out of state, and ended up at a storage lot. so, thats what the lein was about. anyway, i might try and find a crank sensor for it. would it be best to take it off and take it to a parts store? or should i just dream up a car name and go from there?