New owner! Having some issues..., lorem ipsum porschum boxum Options

[detective_snakes]

Hi! I'm detective snakes, and I'm grateful to be a new member here!
I've come into possession of a 1970 914/4. Unsure of the finer details, but... I've run into a few roadblocks. I figured I should ask here just in case some of these problems are fairly common. If you don't mind my inquiry...

- The car was running the last time it was driven, around 6-8 years ago. I've replaced the battery (yes there is a rather small hell hole (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif) ), but nothing else has been done to the car. I did put around a gallon of new gas into the tank.

- Turns over, won't start. I'm fairly certain this is the fuel pump! I don't hear the whirring when I leave the key turned at idle. But I'm unsure of the specs of this engine, and I'm not sure whether or not this even has an electric pump.

- Shifter feels like it isn't connected... maybe linkage? But I don't know why a working car would randomly have it's shifter just do nothing.

When I turn the key, both the alternator light and oil light come on, but I'm guessing those always turn on when the key is turned before the engine is started.

As for the engine this car has... I'm unsure. It has a twin carburetor setup where they stick out high in the engine compartment, but that's all I know.

I'd be glad to provide any more pictures of the car (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)
I appreciate any answers given, this is my first real project car!

[detective_snakes]

Ah! Sorry for being gone, hectic couple of work days. I appreciate the conversation generated here! This is BEYOND helpful for a new wrench turner like me hahah.

burton! Thanks for the book recommendation! Just ordered it from Amazon, should be here within a few days. I've been looking for good a good physical manual, this is just what the doctor ordered.

SirAndy, a picture of the... dusty... engine bay should be right at the end of this comment! Apologies for the delay, I wasn't really sure of how to add a second picture lol. Haynes manual will be in the cart as well!

930cabman... yeah. This won't just be a few roadblocks, I'm sure this'll be a long enough story to sell in multiple volumes! Future kids/grandkids will never hear the end of it from me about this damn car (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Dave! I wrote all of this down in my notepad, especially about the pump and shifter. I'm going to have jack stands and ramps soon to get a look from under the car, and I have a couple of enthusiasts nearby who wanna help. I'll definitely make sure to keep you guys posted as this develops.

Spoke, on it! Already prepared with my oil. Found the fuel pump, curiously something else was wrong with the fuel line (a clamp had gone bad connecting the line to the filter). I'll do my best to find that relay board and post it right here.

iankarr, yes this was actually SUPER correct. They are extremely gummed up. The throttle will not move without serious effort. Got new sparks, once we get this lifted I'll be sure we replace those, along with the filter + pump. That youtube link is going in my personal 914 bible though! I'm excited to hit the failure points, personally. I've got nothing but time here, and it's always going to be a new learning experience.

Shivers, sadly no. I'm a few hours West of that, closer to the Thousand Oaks area.

windforfun, it translates to... blah blah porsche boxer!

bkrantz, yeah it's something I'm worried about. I'm going to have a mechanic I know make sure my fuel related work is good before we even try starting it up. I'll gladly pay the safety tax when it's owed.

PaIsa, it's great to see another new user here! Hearing your success with the book encourages me, and makes me feel great about my order. Definitely looking to dismantle the carbs and clean them out 100%. The throttle feels like it's full of gummy bears hahah. Noted in regards to alt light though.

brant, on it! Carbs are currently the first priority, followed by fuel. Definitely something needed.

Flaca gotcha! Good to know they're on ebay, I have some leftover credit that I think gets to fulfill a purpose today.

Osnabruck, I've been so unfathomably fortunate in this regard. One of our neighbors restores cars from this era quite often, and is willing to lend tools and a hand. I'm more than happy to sit back and learn (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

SO! Again! Thank you for the replies! I've taken notes of everything, and ordered those manuals. As for parts I've ordered:
- trunk latch cable
- accelerator cable
- fuel hose + clamp
- fuel filter
- oil
- battery
- gas pedal
- spark plugs

As time goes on I'll make sure to update this thread with progress! Or, I'll get stumped and ask more questions hahah. All part of the fun. I can't express my gratitude for this help enough, truly

[campbellcj]

Shivers, sadly no. I'm a few hours West of that, closer to the Thousand Oaks area.

Hey there - Congrats on your project and you're in the right place for great info & moral support! Sounds like I am nearby - quite a lot of 914s in SoCal but only a few right around here that I know of. Lemme know if I can help in any way!

I definitely echo advice to go-thru the brakes. Wouldn't be surprised to find fluid like maple syrup and seals dried-out. Rear caliper venting is frequently maladjusted also.