Intermittent starting issues (hot and cold starts) Options

[DC_neun_vierzehn]

I recently started having starting issues.

Here's the recent history ...

I had zero starting issues on the car for nearly 2 years of ownership (1973 2.0 w/ a starter relay).

Then, we dropped the motor and sent it off for a 2056 rebuild last year (and Dr. Evil rebuilt my trans at the same time).

When a friend and 914 world regular helped me do the reinstall, the key in ignition switch would not start the car (the car was sitting in storage for about a year waiting for the motor and trans rebuilds). As a temporary solution, we put a remote starter in the engine bay (alligator clips to the starter) and that solved the non-starting problem. Thus, we assumed the starter switch likely needed replaced. I put that on my project list.

I used the remote starter for a few months (and ordered a replacement ignition switch). Before installing the replacement switch, I decided to put the key in to confirm the switch was bad ... well ... it worked! Thus, I started using the key to start the car for the next couple of months without any issues.

Then one day the key in the ignition would not work. It was a cold start. Car was sitting for over a day. So I tried the remote starter ... same thing ... even the remote starter wouldn't work.

So I jacked the car up and put it on stands to inspect starter from under the car. No loose wires, not corrosion, the alligator clamps for the remote starter were still where they should be. I also looked at the starter connections that go to the battery in the engine bay from above ... all looked fine there too. Nothing loose, no corrosion, etc.

So I lower car and I try starting it with the key ... and it worked. WTH? I turned it off. Tried the remote starter. That worked as well.

For the next week or so the key worked.

Then yesterday, neither would work again. This time it was a hot start. I had been driving for about 45 minutes so it was fully warmed up.

So the intermittent starting issues are happening on cold AND warm starts.

So again, I jacked the car up ... looked for anything suspect around the starter ... looked in engine bay for anything loose ... didn't see anything. Then lowered the car and tried the key ... it worked and so did the remote starter.

It's frustrating and I don't want to get stranded somewhere (it's very flat where I live and I can't park on hills to rely on popping the clutch to start the car if the ignition isn't working).

Any ideas could be causing the intermittent issues?

[wonkipop]

I recently started having starting issues.



For the next week or so the key worked.

Then yesterday, neither would work again. This time it was a hot start. I had been driving for about 45 minutes so it was fully warmed up.

So the intermittent starting issues are happening on cold AND warm starts.

So again, I jacked the car up ... looked for anything suspect around the starter ... looked in engine bay for anything loose ... didn't see anything. Then lowered the car and tried the key ... it worked and so did the remote starter.

It's frustrating and I don't want to get stranded somewhere (it's very flat where I live and I can't park on hills to rely on popping the clutch to start the car if the ignition isn't working).

Any ideas could be causing the intermittent issues?

i don't think you will get stranded.
i think jacking the car up and inspecting wires etc on starter is equal of the old gentle tapping of starter motor body. ??
i'll bet if your were out and about and it happened and you tapped the starter motor it would start.
next time it does it in the garage try tapping it rather than jacking it up and fiddling with wires. see if it engages and starts the car.

at least you know you won't get stranded.
best thing about a 914 is that starter is SO easy to get at.
slide in from rear of car with hammer and just gently tap the starter motor body.
even reach up and wiggle the solonoid. don't hit it.

it will confirm the problem (or not).
and also reassure you - you won't get stranded.
you might get dirt on the back of your shirt and pants but. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

you can try the old ford solonoid fix etc.
others have.
i just put up with mine.
i have a blanket in the front trunk for occasions when the ground might be less than pleasant to lie on.

ps 914s roll start real easy in reverse.
you barely need to have them rolling and they will fire right up.
i did it enough times in chicago 30 odd years ago before i got into sliding under and tapping the starter. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beer.gif)