A Fuel Pump In Pieces

This afternoon, I ran across my friend Gerri. She told me that I could pick-up the red Porsche at any time; as her husband had been able to gain access to the interior of the car (without a key). I reminded Gerri that I still needed a title to the car and that I would most likely need an ignition key (to unlock the steering column) before the car could be moved. She said she would look into it.

This afternoon, I installed new targa top brackets in the rear trunk that arrived in the mail on Friday.

This evening, having spent a great deal of time agonizing over my fuel pump woes, I decided to remove and disassemble the fuel pump. Normally, I wouldn't attempt such a feat - especially without a diagram of the pump's inner workings. However, the thought of the Porsche sitting idle because "an impeller or something being gummed-up" didn't sit well with me. I took the pump apart with the thought that it may never go back together again.

After tear-down, I cleaned the fuel pump and the pump's internal parts then put everything back together. I was pleased with the fact that the pump design seemed straight-forward and all the little parts went back together as they should.

I very briefly applied voltage to the pump to test for functionality. While holding my finger over the intake port with the pump running, I could feel a slight bit of suction - presumably a good sign for a fuel pump. On the workbench, the pump appeared to function properly. The true test will be when I re-install the fuel pump in the car.

A Hot-Wired Fuel Pump

This afternoon, I fabricated a "Hot-Wire" wiring harness for the fuel pump - in order to apply power to the pump directly from the car battery. I tested the fuel pump and, much to my displeasure, NOTHING happened! I became extremely disappointed because I knew that a new fuel pump was going to cost me somewhere in the range of $425 (U.S.) - a major set-back in getting the Porsche started for the first time.

I walked into the house to grab a cold drink (leaving power applied to the pump). Upon my return to the car a couple minutes later, I could hear the pump motor "whirring". With the assumption that I may now have fuel to the injectors, I decided to try and start the car. Nothing happened!

With the fuel pump still running, I examined the clear plastic fuel lines underneath the car. I could see air bubbles in the fuel lines and could tell that fuel was barely moving through the system. I was perplexed by the fact that the fuel pump was running, but no fuel appeared to be circulating.

Servicing A 914's Relay Board

This afternoon, I finally purchased a car battery and attempted to start the Porsche. The engine appeared to generate spark and to build oil pressure; however, the engine would not fire.

When turning on the ignition, I couldn't hear the fuel pump run - as it should for a few seconds. With the thought that I may have a problem with fuel delivery, I started trouble-shooting the fuel pump and associated electrical system.

Underneath the car, I found that - someone in the past - had done a less than professional job attempting a repair of the fuel pump's power connector. The connector had been "rebuilt" with copious quantities of epoxy and electrical tape. In removing the "mess", I found that one of the wires was disconnected. Could that be the sole reason that the car wouldn't start?

While underneath the car, I found that the speedometer cable had been disconnected. Why? Because the speedometer cable elbow at the transmission has somehow been sheared-off! I am guessing that will be an expensive and difficult part to replace!

Now that the car had power, I was able to "tinker" with the Porsche's various electrical systems. I was pleased to see that the brake lights and reverse lights work properly. However, the turn signals, hazard lights, headlights and windshield wipers appear to suffer from "Gremlins". At this point, I'm not too concerned; as I feel as if I have "bigger fish to fry" just getting the car to run.

While testing relays in the engine bay, I decided to clean the connectors on the relay board. As work progressed, I decided to remove the relay board from the vehicle for a thorough cleaning. I am pleased with the way it turned out.

The Porsche Gets All New Vacuum Lines

This morning, I drove the poor guy crazy at the auto parts store. "I'll take ten feet of this hose, eight feet of this hose, twelve feet of this hose..." After nearly an hour, I walked out of the store ready for the day's project.

This afternoon, I replaced all of the vacuum lines on the Porsche. I found a couple of elbows that will need to be replaced. Fortunately, I have a source to order them from and they are only a few dollars apiece. I was really pleased with the way the new hoses turned out!

Vacuum Line Inventory

This morning, I labeled, inventoried and photographed all of the vacuum lines, prior to replacement. Wow... this car requires a LOT of hoses!

A "Rust-Free" Porsche 914!

This afternoon, I spent more time going through the car at a leisurly pace - looking for any hidden "gotcha's".

Porsche 914's are notorious for having rust problems - especially in the area known as the "hell hole" (which is the area directly underneath and including the battery tray). Other easy to inspect areas where rust is typically found is in the front and rear trunks and the floor pans.

Closer inspection of this car revealed NO structural rust issues. Although I haven't had the rocker panels off the car yet, the jack holes look good as does the area around the pedal cluster.

The worst part of the body I have found, so far, is the battery tray - which is suffering only from very mild surface rust. This area, I will treat with POR-15 or a comperable product.

Oh yea, there is a broken bracket on the right-rear trunk lid. Since I don't yet trust myself with a welding torch, I'll need professional help getting that fixed.

The Engine Bay: Before And After

This evening, I cleaned more of the "junk" out of the engine bay and made a first attempt at de-greasing the engine. I was amazed at how well the engine cleaned-up. Although I still have a fair amount of detailing still to do, at least I can now see where everything goes and can work on the engine without coming-out a complete mess!

After cleaning the engine bay, I was able to locate the engine's serial number. I was finally able to positively identify the Porsche as a 914 1.7 Litre, California car.

Before putting the car to bed for the evening, I pulled the driver's side carpet to inspect the pedal board; as the accelerator pedal felt as if it was binding.