I have a Porsche 944 with a 1996 lt1 and the problem is, all of a sudden, it takes 3 to 4 cranks everytime to start. Once it starts it runs perfect. I took one plug out and checked for spark during those first 3-4 cranks and im not getting anything. But, after the 3-4 cranks the plug starts to spark.
So, i run the engine for awhile to warm it up, shut it down, try it again and it does the same thing. I replaced the fuel filter and checked for psi and checks out fine. This has been happening for about 3 weeks now.
Any amount of help will be greatly appreciated.
-Michael

 

Now i checked for spark right after coil... cranked the engine during first 3-4 cranks i get nothing after that it starts to spark. SOOO... Not a fuel problem nor an optispark problem. right? Someones gotta help me.. Anything!!
-Michael

 

Were you the guy in SCC magazine? If so nice swap

 

No, that wasnt me. But hey whats SCC magazine?

 

Are you gettting any resolution codes from the PCM? Check all your wiring connections to the Opti and ICM. It's not uncommon for an opti to fail like that. Sometimes it's more sudden sometimes not. Try swapping out the coil if nothing else.

 

I replaced the ICM with a new one. checked if the opti is getting 12 volts and it is. I just noticed once the engine fires up after the first 3-4 cranks that my tachometer gauge no longer works...WEIRD? Not in drive and not in idle. i Have not checked the computer at all yet i was wondering if i can go to like an autoZone and rent a scanner? can i do that? If you have anymore ideas as soon as you post them ill run out there and check it. THANK YOU FOR HELPING!!!!
-Michael

 

Autozone might rent a scanner. It's worth a try.

 

The coil is in the neiborhood of 5,000 ohms. Is this OK? Anybody have some suggestions. I talked to autozone they don't rent the scanner but will scan it for me. Any help at all will be so much appreciated. Come on guys and girls!
-Michael

 

Ok, problem solved... it turned out to be my optical sensor inside the optispark. I went to autozone and got the optispark complete kit including the cap and rotor for 130.00 with a life-time warranty which is kinda cool. replaced the optispark for me took about 2 hours. got back in the car cranked it started right up unbelievable. all good now thanks everyone for trying to help. ESPECIALLY SHOEBOX.

 

God there is more than one of us out there!!

 

Yeah man how are you? Ive seen you on 560sec. love to see your car... Im just starting/finishing my widebody conversion from Gt racing. All fiberglass on the 1987 944. then i need to start putting the big reds on. Should be fun. See ya