924Board.org

kewpie79 · Posted: Sat Mar 20, 2004 3:45 am Post subject: Newbie electrical questions

I just picked up a 1980 924. The wiring is all spaghetti in the engine bay. the guy told me that he put in a battery that was too tall and the hood shorted out the fuel pump. I guess he tried to rewire it or something, but all the wiring is just laying there. Any suggestions on where to start. I guess a haynes manual would be first in order, but after that?
_________________
1980 Porsche 924
1984 Pontiac Grand Prix
2003 Kia Sorento

Alex Roy · Posted: Sat Mar 20, 2004 4:06 am Post subject:

You might want to look into just getting a replacement wiring harness. There's one on ebay right now (I'm not affiliated with the seller, though he is a board member here)

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=50459&item=2468133290

gohim · Joined: 02 Nov 2002 Posts: 4459 Location: Rialto, CA

I agree with Alex here.

A replacement wiring harness would be the place to start.

The 1980 924 had some significant changes from the earlier models, and also differes from the 81 and later cars. Because of this, you will need a wiring harness from a 1980 normally aspired car. Do not try to fit the wiring harness from a different model year or a 931 (924 Turbo).

Look for a Porsche factory 924 Workshop Manual Set. They are available in print, and on microfiche. While the Haynes manual is okay for an emergency reference (carry in car book), it lacks information that you will find invaluable when restoring the 924.

ropndave · Joined: 12 Mar 2004 Posts: 76 Location: Vegas Baby

I agree with the Porsche manuals I have both and will compare the info. In addition I also had the battery shorted on the hood and am needing to replace all of the ground wires under the hood of my 77 924.

Doodle · Posted: Sat Mar 20, 2004 12:52 pm Post subject:

A word of caution when purchasing a used wiring harness. You may be disappointed to find it's not in much better shape than your original. It'll still be 20 odd years old. I was able to use my old harnesses for a pattern from which I built all new harnesses from the fuse box out. It was tedious and time consuming work but the end result was worth while. I shouldn't have another wiring related problem for the next 20 years. The current flow diagrams in the Haynes provided sufficient info for me to accomplish this task. In your case, assuming you only have to replace the engine harness this might be a viable alternative to provide a longer term fix. Of course my wiring harness is probably a little less complex than the later models.
_________________
Doodle
Pre 77.5 Mars Red

leadfoot · Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 12:10 pm Post subject:

I agree in replacing the whole lot, It's going to be a pain but at least it will be a great lesson in you getting to know your car.
You can replace the fuse panel and all the grounds at the same time, this will also make your car reliable.
Don't skimp on insulating the starter and alternator looms... It gets very hot there and will cause alot of damage if these wires fail.
Leadfoot

billmay34 · Joined: 04 Jul 2006 Posts: 41 Location: seattle, wa

Lizard · Posted: Tue Jul 04, 2006 11:21 am Post subject:

yah get a peg board, lots of solder and heatshrink.
_________________
3 928s,