924Board.org

Carerra · Joined: 02 Jun 2004 Posts: 6 Location: Norwich, UK

Does anyone know if 924's have hot starting problems?
I was out on a nice drive, pulled over to make a phone call, turned the key to start it again - nothing, no noise or anything. Tried again and again, still nothing (my heart sank and I got that feeling you get when you know some thing is wrong!!)
I disconnected the battery in case it were a problem with the immobiliser, tried agin - still no no joy.
I tried calling some mates to pick me up and tow me home, but I couldn't get hold of anyone. Tried again, turned the key, nothing, but I kept it turned and finally she burst into life?
Electrical problem or just a duff starter motor?
(Usually it starts pretty much as soon as you turn the key)
Any advice is much appreciated,
Rosco
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Racing is life, everything else is just waiting.

Chrenan · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 3903 Location: Canada

924s are renowned for hot start problems. The design of later cars went a long way to solve these issues. Two 20cc and then a single 40cc fuel accumulator replaced the original single 20cc fuel accumulator. This helps maintain fuel pressure after stopping the engine.

However, the hot start problem can strike a 924 from any model year. Is your fuel accumulator(s) leaking? If you unscrew the small screw in the base of the accumulator, does fuel come out? If so the rubber bladder inside has ruptured and the accumulator needs replacing.

Are your injectors leaking after shut-off? This is simple to test when you follow the Haynes manual procedure. When was the alst time they were replaced? Might be time for new injectors.

These are a few things to consider, assuming the problem is fuel related, which it likely is. Hope that helps. Also, search this site for "hot start" and you will get some threads to help.
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1987 951 - M193 Version for Japan

Smoothie · Posted: Tue Jun 08, 2004 2:28 am Post subject:

Whoa bessy - that's not the fuel system hot start problem... It's the hot starter hot start problem. I've had it several times. Either a replacement or just removal and cleaning of the starter solenoid fixes it. Replacement and/or insulating of the wires leading to the starter might also be appropriate (mainly applies to the 924na). I've tried some other things - namely a heat insulating blanket, and homemade gaskets between starter-bellhousing and between bolt washers-starter... Nothing gets it going better than dealing with the solenoid (usually just a cleaning). They tend to get gunked-up inside. Also - if you have a 924na and there's supposed to be some kind of heat sheild between the starter and exhaust manifold, having that in place might help too, but still, the solenoid's probably dirty. Until you get to work on it - it'll sometimes spring back to life with repeated (10-20 times) turns of the key, or by holding the key in the start position (5+ seconds) until it kicks in.

Guessing that you have a 924na and it's right-hand drive, starter work will be unfun x 10 with the steering shaft in the way, so I'd recommend at least new solenoid and replace the wiring while you're at it.
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"..it's made in Germany. You know the Germans always make good stuff."

'82 924T, US version, dark green metallic, 5 speed Audi 016G gearbox

Chrenan · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 3903 Location: Canada

Sorry Smoothie, missed the part where he said there was no sound or anything from the starter, I assumed the repeated attempts meant he was cranking over and over, definitely a starter issue if the motor isn't being turned over on ignition...
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1987 951 - M193 Version for Japan

CMXXXI · Joined: 05 Nov 2002 Posts: 1939 Location: Vicksburg, MS

I had a similar problem once too. Turned out that I hadn't tightened the starter to the bell housing REALLY tight. Guess it didn't ground well enough. But after 1/4 turn on the mounting bolts, never had another problem at all. Hopefully your fix will be just as easy.
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'79 Eurospec 931

Roger · Joined: 06 Jan 2003 Posts: 1235 Location: Cordova, TN

No noise at all would lead me to guess the ignition switch. If you hear a whinning noise or a clicking from the starter I would guess the starter motor. Even if the starter is bad you should still hear some whinning from the fuel pump.
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1981 924 NA

Some people are like Slinkies. Not really good for anything, but you
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