2001 boxster will not start

[geoff22]

2001 Manual Boxster 2.7 (81.000 miles):

The other day, went for a cold start and engine cranked a few times and then sounded like starter disengaged. I initially replaced the battery, and when that didn't change anything, I felt the most logical thing to do would be to replace the starter. That job was fairly easy, but when I went to crank the engine, it did the same thing. Turns out that the starter is turning the engine over (my friend placed his hand over the exaust pipe and felt air coming out), but it's almost as though there's no compression.

The car was running perfectly up until I had this problem. I don't hear anything horrible when I turn the key, the engine just seems to spin without any restriction/compression.

Just before this problem happened, I washed the car and immediately parked it. Maybe it's an electrical problem? Any help or ideas would be appreciated!

Geoff

[986wheelz]

Check your spark plugs and wires, also make sure the air filter is clean, next I would check the fuel pump to make sure its working. Hope that helps.

[geoff22]

Check your spark plugs and wires, also make sure the air filter is clean, next I would check the fuel pump to make sure its working. Hope that helps.

It turns out that there's some posts with the same problem, but their fuel pumps checked out ok. One guy said, the problem fixed itself. Another said that he depressed the accelerator pedal all the way and it started up. I know that the spark plugs are hard to get to, so I'll try again tomorrow to start it, and see what happens.

[1schoir]

Check your spark plugs and wires, also make sure the air filter is clean, next I would check the fuel pump to make sure its working. Hope that helps.

It turns out that there's some posts with the same problem, but their fuel pumps checked out ok. One guy said, the problem fixed itself. Another said that he depressed the accelerator pedal all the way and it started up. I know that the spark plugs are hard to get to, so I'll try again tomorrow to start it, and see what happens.

Definitely try the other possible steps first, but, if you still have no joy, the spark plugs are really not difficult to access..

The key is getting the car up high and solid on some sturdy jackstands and remove the wheels. After that, it's pretty straightforward, paying special attention to insuring that the coils are firmly and securely snapped back on.

Regards, Maurice.

[RFM]

If the engine cranks like there is no compression, than is the mean reason "sticking valves" 1) wrong oil viscosity, too thick in combination with cold outside temperatures (hydraulic lifters keeps the valves slightly open) 2) dirt and carbon on the valve stems (use a cleaner in the fuel for several tank fillings, ones you get the engine running)

[geoff22]

If the engine cranks like there is no compression, than is the mean reason "sticking valves" 1) wrong oil viscosity, too thick in combination with cold outside temperatures (hydraulic lifters keeps the valves slightly open) 2) dirt and carbon on the valve stems (use a cleaner in the fuel for several tank fillings, ones you get the engine running)

Update:

So without making any changes or tests on electricals, I decided to try to start the car this morning. This time when I cranked it, I held the throttle down to the floor... continued to crank... released throttle....continued to crank....pushed throttle to foor and held.... then VROOM! (took about 10-12 seconds of cranking).

After it started, it sounded normal and I drove it around with no problems. Plenty of power, and smooth idling. I drove it straight to my Porsche mechanic, turned it off and discussed the starting problem with him.

He suggested that it may have been flooded, and caused cylinder washout. I have never heard of this, but I guess the fuel would wash the oil from the rings as it sat. Then the morning it didn't start, the compression was reduced, making the engine spin as though the starter wasn't even engaging.

I know that the day before it didn't start, I did a cold start, moved the car about 50 ft, turned it off, started it again after about 30 min, and then parked it. Maybe this had something to do with it.

Anyway, I hope the problem is gone. Thanks for the help as always! I'll update in a few days and let you guys know if things are still ok.

Geoff

[phillipj]

:clapping: :clapping: :clapping:

[mcsavaney]

If the engine cranks like there is no compression, than is the mean reason "sticking valves" 1) wrong oil viscosity, too thick in combination with cold outside temperatures (hydraulic lifters keeps the valves slightly open) 2) dirt and carbon on the valve stems (use a cleaner in the fuel for several tank fillings, ones you get the engine running)

Update:

So without making any changes or tests on electricals, I decided to try to start the car this morning. This time when I cranked it, I held the throttle down to the floor... continued to crank... released throttle....continued to crank....pushed throttle to foor and held.... then VROOM! (took about 10-12 seconds of cranking).

After it started, it sounded normal and I drove it around with no problems. Plenty of power, and smooth idling. I drove it straight to my Porsche mechanic, turned it off and discussed the starting problem with him.

He suggested that it may have been flooded, and caused cylinder washout. I have never heard of this, but I guess the fuel would wash the oil from the rings as it sat. Then the morning it didn't start, the compression was reduced, making the engine spin as though the starter wasn't even engaging.

I know that the day before it didn't start, I did a cold start, moved the car about 50 ft, turned it off, started it again after about 30 min, and then parked it. Maybe this had something to do with it.

Anyway, I hope the problem is gone. Thanks for the help as always! I'll update in a few days and let you guys know if things are still ok.

Geoff

So my 2001 2.7 manual 101,000 miles. just had exactly the same problem! - Same cause (backed out of driveway 30 feet to let truck in, drive back later, leave over night). Would not start the next morning - same symptoms - feels like no compression. This works but it's a scarily long 15+ seconds of cranking then huge amount of white smoke as it fires. Drove till hot - no smoke - runs fine. This forum just saved me a tow and dealer costs! Thanks RennTech!!!