TR intermittent no-start

I know there are many other threads on similar problems, but after researching them all it seems mine is unique.

About 4 times so far this year the TR would not start. Starter motor spins fine, engine would not catch. Happened again today. This time was different than the rest in that I let it sit a minute, it started but then died right away. I figured it was finally time to replace the tachometric relay, but I noticed that when I kept the starter engaged (only for a few seconds to prevent starter motor damage) it still died.

Went to get my voltmeter to check the voltage at the fuel pump relays, it started right up and ran great.

No correlation to:
time sitting (can be two days, can be two weeks)
humidity
temperature

Only thing constant: if I let it sit for a few minutes, it starts right up. For which I am happy, but it makes diagnostics tough. And I don't know if some day it may happen on the road.

The only thing I can think of to do is leave the voltmeters on it to wait for the next occurance. Any other ideas?

 

It's hard to imagine your voltmeter had much to do with this unless it's a guarantee start and run WITH the voltmeter connected. Is this the case? Can you switch the problem on and off with the voltmeter only? Could it be that your fuel line/rail needs bleeding?

 

Could be the crank (hall) sensor acting up, mine did this on the road.

 

+1

 

Thanks for the replies.

In answer to the question about the voltmeter: the problem occurred without the voltmeter hooked up. So you are right, not related to the voltmeter.

Good point about the crank sensor. I will check it.

 

Check this thread, Steve shows a way to test the sensor.
http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=190856

 

Kenco,
Thanks for the tip, that will help a lot.

 

Greetings hope all is well. +1 on checking the crank sensor but I hate to be repeating myself. Do you have the gold connector kit installed. It's so important to have the foundation. It my be the crank sensor but it may be the terminals that plug into the sensor. Cleaning the existing terminals sometimes makes it worse because there really is no way to clean the female terminal without sticking something in there creating an even worse result. It would be clean but the terminal would be even more spread. I have changed every single terminal in the engine bay. I think it's just as important as addressing the fuse box. The one two punch in striving for reliability. You can't build unless the foundation is laid down. I hope you find your issue and are able to enjoy the car. It's autum boys. Ahh. The cool crisp air. The car just loves it. Get out and drive. It sounds like a connectivity issue to me.

R

 

Robbie,
Thanks for the tip. I did the fuse box but nothing yet in the engine bay. I will look into that.

You are 100% right about trying to clean terminals, often spreads them and makes them worse.

It started right up today and I swear it is running better than ever. Could be that cool air (higher charge density). But I will be checking everything out next weekend.