A friend of mine is having problems getting his 914 started. Here is the message I got from him - any suggestions would be appreciated:

Background: This engine has not started for approx 8 years. We changed the starter, plugs and plug wires, coil, battery, fuel pump, etc. We had put mystery oil in the cylinders and turned the engine over. It turns freely.

Problem: The car won't start. The engine is getting spark and fuel. The problem is that engine is not turning over fast enough to start. With the spark plugs out, the engine turns over fine. With the plugs in, it turns over very slowly, so slowly that the engine won't start. We took the new starter out and took it back to the auto parts store. It tests out fine. We replaced the battery with a known good one. That didn't help either.

Thanks, Bob

Are the grounds good? Both the starter and battery can be in perfect condition, but if the power can't get from one to the other.....

in addition to grounds:


did you run a new wire to the starter? if so was the wire big enough? if you "hot wire" the starter from the switch connection to the hot post does it turn over the engine then? it sounds like you aren't getting enough juice to get the starter going good.

Great work gents. Tranny to ground strap problem. Thanks!!!