Waterlogged 99 Boxster

[ARModen]

Originally Posted by Dragonwind

Man this is really odd. Last thing is going to be spark. To have zero ignitions makes me think something in the alarm system is still triggered or you really do have bad gas that refuses to ignite.
Chris

In screwing with the ignition switch I was able to observe the alarm operating correctly. I agree with you about the gas, but the gas I pumped out of the tank with the fuel pump still hasn't separated at all.

There are two cam position sensors on the boxster. They are about $90 a piece. not sure if a single failure would do this.

[ARModen]

I checked battery terminals and replaced the ignition switch. Nothing!

I attempted to start the car with starter fluid (not the BBQ variety) injected into the throttle body. Still nothing!

The first time I try to start the car it vrooms like it's going to work then immediately goes back to the whir of just the starter.

[Dragonwind]

Okay so if you get an initial 'launch' of the engine then it dies with no further ignitions then I'd really change the fuel filter, no matter how much pressure you think you have. When the filter is blocked it will still seam some fuel through so waiting allows pressure to build up in the rails but after the initial surge then no more gas.

Beyond that I'd say its time for a shop because you're running out of places to look.
Chris

[ARModen]

I would think the carb cleaner and ether I sprayed in there would have been enough for it to run for at least a few seconds if it was getting a spark. I might have to bribe some people with beer to help me get it up on the ramps to change the filter.

[ARModen]

I haven't tested anything spark related yet besides the ignition switch. It seems to go straight to the DME and nothing I can think of can disable all the plug without throwing a fault other than something inside the DME. The DME is initializing but not reporting any problems.

Loren over at the Renntech forums suggested a large vacuum leak. Anyone have any information about this? I haven't mess with vacuum systems much.

[ARModen]

Replaced the fuel filter and cleaned the throttle and idle throttle valves. I tested both and they seem to be working.

[ARModen]

So, a final update on this problem...

Bad gas after all. Very odd, but dumping the tank and flushing the lines with fresh gas fixed it. Car started right up and idled right away. It's popped and idled rough a few times getting the rest of the crap out, but after a good drive down the highway everything seems to be working again. I got everything put back together, now I just need to get the electronics sorted back out.