Votes have been tabulated and for those who may have the same problem in the future the verdict is.................SOLENOID!

My mechanic called a few moments ago and took a close look at the starter still attached and claimed that the rear end of the solenoid was loose. Not knowing if the end of the solenoid can come loose, I will assume that is the area that is accesssible where the bendix or drive is installed that everyone has referred to cleaning. How it can be loose or can be fixed is something I cannot answer, but I will tell you that I was getting so fed up with that "clicking" and having to park in elevated areas where I can roll for a push start that I was just about to tell my guy, to go ahead and REPLACE THE WHOLE DAMN THING ANYWAY!

They are installing a rebuilt 1.5 HP Bosch unit rather then what I have now which is the 3/4 horsepower older style starter. Perhaps the fewer amps, additional horsepower coupled with everything I have done will provide years of service.

To the solenoid folks................thanks and credit yourself with more banked wisdom. For the rest of us suffering sooner or later from tempermental starters.............do yourself a favor and just replace it!

Regards
Bob
73.5T

Bob - congratulations on getting the car going again! I'm suffering through trying to get my 73.5 to start again and I know the frustration! Hope you're enjoying it again soon.

Jeff

Thanks Jeff.
I know your pain, but through it all this has been the most fun 911 I have owned thus far and its always a labor of love. Everything is very basic, but due to the age of the car, I will have to assume that components like the starter survived beyond its planned obsolesence. After all over it lasted for 33 years! What I learned from this is that its not worth the fight anymore............certain components beg replacement and the starter I believe is one of them.

Regards
Bob

Too bad you didn't take our advice in the first place, replaced the $80 solenoid, saved yourself some cash and, at the same time, saved us all a lot of discussion.

As for my situation, I'm still on my original 1.5 PS starter with the new solenoid bolted to it, starting flawlessly ever since.

Cheers,

Joe Garcia
Redwood PCA since 1976
86 Carrera

Starters in and its so friggin fast it sounds like the fly wheel is going to shoot out of the back!!!!! It has started the first try ever since I picked up the car................a new starter is a beautiful thing.

Regards
Bob