Why can't I get a break?!?!?!?!?

[widebody911]

So last week my ignition switch went out - the little metal tab that connects the mechanical part to the electrical part sheared right off. I was pleased with myself for getting it repaired in a reasonable amount of time and at a reasonable cost - $125 for the whole new assembly at the local Porsche junkyard. While I was under the car diagnosing what I originally thought was a starter problem, I noticed I had a torn CV boot. No prob, I had a spare, and replaced it last weekend.

Getting in the 911 this evening, shagged out after an almost 12 hour day, I heard a strange noise from the starter, and it took two tries to start. Weird. Then, almost home, I stalled it at a light; I was (literally) daydreaming about a set of 17" Fuchs and wasn't paying close enough attention. Now when I tried to start it, the noise was worse - a raspy, grinding noise, and the engine is barely turning over. I had to push it out of the intersection - luckily some guy stopped to help - and I was able to bump-start it and drive home. Get home, and it hardly turns over.

Geeze, when does it end? I have a DE on Friday, and the car seems to be bound and determined not to let me go!

[RoninLB]

Originally posted by widebody911
the noise was worse - a raspy, grinding noise, and the engine is barely turning over.

assuming a good starter with your act..
a wild guess would be the pinion is to tight in the flywheel ring gear.. if that sound could be it ?
I'd probably pull starter and examine both.
If I found grinding of the teeth I'd probably shim the starter in the case and test..

[widebody911]

Originally posted by RoninLB
assuming a good starter with your act..
a wild guess would be the pinion is to tight in the flywheel ring gear.. if that sound could be it ?
I'd probably pull starter and examine both.
If I found grinding of the teeth I'd probably shim the starter in the case and test..

Eh, but it's been working fine for a year or so.

I put it on on the charger first thing, and it will start now, although it still sounds a little funny. I hadn't driven the car for a few days, and the battery may have run down - it's an Optima, and I've had issues with it previously when I didn't drive it.

I have a high-torque lightweight starter; my guess is they're more sensitive to under-voltage conditions than normal starters.

I'll leave it on the charger all night and see how it feels in the morning. Failing that, I'll swap the started out of my VW double cab pickup tomorrow night.

[nostatic]

Originally posted by widebody911
I've had issues with it previously when I didn't drive it.

I think we found your problem. She's acting out, trying to get your attention.

When will it end? When you run out of time, money, or patience. Or some combination. I don't know that we have a good algorithm for that yet. Need more data.

[singpilot]

I have found (having TWO Pcars simultaneously) that the MOMENT you start thinking of spending (supposedly unspent) money on something like 17-inch Fuchs, your Pcar will solve the dilemma of unattached funds.

[ruf-porsche]

It could be the starter is not disengaging when you release the key. The Junk Yard switch may not be working correctly.

Turn the key from the start position to the run position and see if the problems go away.

[na2ub]

Singpilot, I have found the exact same thing. Just when I am getting ready to upgrade the suspension, wammo ... clutch problem. (either that or the old lady want to take a vacation). I WILL prevail and my porsche WILL ride tight, sooner or later.

[Tim Walsh]

Well at least your car isnt' like mine.. EVERYTHING needs to get changed, motor, suspension, interior, everything except the tranny

[widebody911]

I left it on the charger all night, and it started like a champ. When I got to work this morning, I tried to re-start it: it exhibited the same symptom as yesterday, ie weak and sounded funny. I think the battery may be toast, or may need the MondoCharge treatment. I'll swap it with the one in the bus when I get home.

How would one be able to tell if the starter wasn't disengaging? I've had that problem before with a VW, and you could *hear* the starter being dragged along.

[ZCAT3]

Did you check the alternator?

[widebody911]

Originally posted by ZCAT3
Did you check the alternator?

That was next; I brought my multimeter with me, and was going to check it first thing when I got to work,but I forgot.

[john walker's workshop]

optimas suck.

[69 Soft Targa]

Originally posted by john walker's workshop
optimas suck.

tell me more

[vash]

optimas suck? definately tell me more, i got two.

[john walker's workshop]

it just seems that they always need replacing because they won't take a charge.

[scottb]

Originally posted by john walker's workshop
it just seems that they always need replacing because they won't take a charge.

Do a search on the board. I have a vague recollection that Optima batteries don't charge in the same manner as conventional wet cell batteries. I seem to recall they have to almost be "shocked" with a high amperage charge for awhile before they can be charged at a lower amp rating.

[filou]

Could it be that the battery is getting drain overnight by some accessories drawing a lot of juice. Could you do a test before you start spending any money ??Tonight, when you get home and after you battery is fully charged, disconnect the battery for the night. When you go to your car the next morning, reconnect battery and see if it starts right up. If it does start right up, i suspect something drawing juice over time, in amount enough to drain your battery, which lack juice to start over your starter which results in the noise you hearing !!!
Keep us posted. Sometime, simple things make big problems.
Truly, Filou.

[jamesiii]

similar sounds/issues, turns out my engine compartment light had a dead short and was KILLING the battery...a quick snip and the problem was solved.

Of course I had already replaced both the battery AND the alternator...expensive lesson that it's the little things...

[ruf-porsche]

Originally posted by widebody911

How would one be able to tell if the starter wasn't disengaging? I've had that problem before with a VW, and you could *hear* the starter being dragged along.

Same sound as the VW when its starter didn't disengage.

[911nut]

Thom, is it just a happy coincidence that AFTER you replace the ignition switch that your battery goes dead? I think that switch is bad.