Porsche Repair: Porsche Repair, porsche repair, cold engine

Question
-------------------------  Dave  My fax number a work is 508-752-4230.  B4 I contacted you I found a web site, talked to a fellow who was talking about some kind of hot start regulator that either needed to be adjusted or replaced.  The new piece had a price tag of about $600.  He also told me that this piece could not just be replaced, but a peice of equipment was required to adjust it properly.  What do you think ?

Thanx for your help

Mike
Followup To
Question -
Dave,  I have a 76 930 T.  No problem starting the car, take a spin, park it in the garage, come out an hour or two later- will not start.  The car turns over just will not start.  Then on occasion drive the car 1 day, come back the next day (car is cold)  and it will not start. Some one told me it was a regulator then may need replacing or adjustment.  What do you think ?

Regards

Mike


Answer -
Hi Mike,

This is the kind of devilish problem that will drive some people crazy.

Rather than guess as to possible culprits, (let the record show my guess is non-electrical) I think checking the alternator/regulator is a great place to start.  That way, you'll either find the problem or completely rule out a big, very important area.

I'm looking at a refernence manual that has a couple pages covering troubleshooting this area.  I could either re-type it, (and you'd get it next X-mas), or I could copy and fax it you you, if you'd be willing to send me a fax number.

So, get back to me using the ask a follow-up question.

Thanks,

Dave

Answer
Mike, check your fax, you should have 3 pages of regulator/alternator trouble shooting ideas.

As far as the hot start regulator, I'm not familiar with that term.  The context would make me suspect he's talking about fuel delivery at hot vs. cold engine temperature.  The injectors will give more fuel when the engine is cold, much less when the engine is hot during the starting process.

I think you should eliminate the regulator/alternator as the problem first.

Second, I'd re-do every electrical connection in the starting circuit.  Not just grab a wire and jiggle it, but take it apart, clean and inspect it, and put it back together so you could eliminate faulty/loose wiring connections.

Let me know what you find.

Thanks

Dave