Porsche Repair: 87 Porsche 944 wont start., air flow meter, porsche 944

Question
I was reading up on internet forums and i came across something called a DME Relay. Does that resonate with you at all? Also could u send me a link to the response you did earlier today.

thanks,
lance



-------------------------

Followup To

Question -
Alright my neighbor recently gave me a porsche 944 that was sitting in his driveway for years. It's an 87 non turbo. It was missing a battery so i went an bought a new one. All the electronics work, the air works, windows, seats etc. I know for a fact that the starter is broken, but i want to see if the engine is any good before i spend anymore money on it. I syphoned out most of the gas, put octane booster and 5 gallons of premium in the tank. I was pullstarting it around the block with a friend of mine and it just doest want to start. We sprayed either into the intake and it still wouldnt start. I checked the alternator and the spark plugs. they're all working fine. im running out of ideas. Please help if you can.

thanks,
lance


Answer -
Hi Lance,

If the car's been sitting for years there are any number of reasons it would not start.  Here's two to consider:

1.  Earlier today I wrote a response to another problem with a no start 944 and I described the potential for problems with a stuck air flow meter.  If you can access my prior answers you can see what I'm talking about.  If not, send me a note and I'll copy it for you.

2.  It's possible the fuel pump is not wortking when you pull start it, even if the ignition is on.  I'm not sure about the 944's, but often the fuel injection computers only start the fuel pump when the starter is cranking...and then keep the pump running if the engine has attained starting rpm's like 200-500.  So without the starter circuit operating no fuel may be your probem.

Good luck.

Dave

Answer
Follow-up 6-15-06
********************

Hi Lance,

1.  Here's the Q and A you're looking for.  I think it appliies to you as well:

Question: I have a 1988 Porsche 944. I had it sitting for about 2
years. I wanted to start using it again and it would not start up. I spray
starter fluid in the throttle body and it starts up right away and will
run for a couple of seconds and turn off unless I keep on spraying it
in. I took the bolt off the front of the fuel rail and cranked the
engine and gas runs out at a good even flow.
I don't know what to do next. please help.

Answer: Hi Gerald,

The first thing that comes to mind is the air flow meter.  It's
basically a doorway (a metal flap) that opens to allow air into the intake
manifold.  It's primary job is to send electronic signals to the computer
which indicate just how far open or closed it is...a measure of air
vloume being sucked into the engine.

The meter is inside the air intake assembly after the air filter.  It
can get oily and gunky and if it sticks open or shut, or it it can't
move freely it cannot send that important signal.  If it sends a signal
that is widely wrong, the computer will default to STOP.  So...I'd
investigate the possibility the door has lost its freedom of movement  while
it was sitting.

Dave

2.  The DME Relay is definitely an important component for you.  The words stand for Digital Motor Electric (or Electronic).  The synonomous term is DEE, Digital Engine Electric (or Electronics).  Both terms refer to the car's computer.   I think you'll find the DME Relay really is the Fuel Pump Relay.

Dave