Does a Hi-Torque Starter need more Oomph (electrically speaking)?

TargaFlorio · 08-13-2006, 10:59 AM

Hi guys,

I installed a Hi-Torque starter on my 1968 911T.
The old Bosch unit wouldn't turn over once the engine was hot.

After I installed the Hi-T starter the engine turns over for about 5 seconds but then nothing.
It also felt like the starter kept turning over even though I turned key back in the ignition.

Is it possible that I have a semi-crappy ground strap from the tranny to the chassis that was still OK when using the regular Bosch starter but won't transmit enough juice when using the Hi-T starter?

I checked and cleaned the battery connections, ground straps etc. Fuses look good, all the lights work etc.

Now when I turn the ignition key I get the warning lights etc. but no dice with the starter.

Any thoughts?

Thanks in advance.

Cheers,
Nick.

Zeke · 08-13-2006, 11:20 AM

Various things may be happening here. The turing over after the key returned could be compression, or preignition when the motor is hot. You didn't say it was new, so it could also be a solenoid problem. Your Hi-t starter takes more current, could be you need a new battery. Or could be that the large cable from battery to the starter is not all that good at the ends. Finally, the ground strap at the tranny is indeed very important. Wouldn't hurt to have two.

TargaFlorio · 08-13-2006, 11:30 AM

Weird, it's turning over now but it sounds like the starter keeps going or can't stop in time. But not the same way when you 'start your car twice' (engaging the starter when the engine is already running)

It sounds more like a mechanical problem... like the starter gear is too close to the teeth on the flywheel and doesn't have enough time to retract maybe I need more clearance between the starter motor and the tranny.

Cheers,
Nick.

randywebb · 08-13-2006, 12:23 PM

nice thing we have today is the ability to record stuff and put it up on the net. do that and I bet someone can remotely diagnose your problem!

TargaFlorio · 08-13-2006, 01:29 PM

Here's a pic of the Bosch unit compared to the Hi Torque starter (purchased via eBay from Power Force).

As you can see, the starter gear isn't located on the same axis (in relationship to the mounting bracket).

Looks like the Hi Torque starter needs to be mounted further away from the transmission than the Bosch unit.

I'll use some washers to make up for the off-set.

(Hi Randy, don't we know each other from the Spyderclub board?)

Cheers,
Nick.

randywebb · 03:11 PM

"Randy, don't we know each other from the Spyderclub board?"

No, but if you give me a Spyder, I'll join!

Must be one of the many other Randys (M.O.R.).

Zeke · 08-13-2006, 01:48 PM

Wait, don't you see the problem? The snout is wrong. Looks like a 914 Hi-T (VW) starter to me. Try reinstalling it with some washers or spacers to move the nose of the snout back equal to the original. I don't recommend keeping this situation, but it might work indefinately if that solves the issue here.

OK, I read your post again and you're ahead of me.

TargaFlorio · 08-13-2006, 02:52 PM

Sorry Randy...

Milt, I installed the starter using the washers and it works... I'll check with the supplier tomorrow, I was told that the starter I received would fit the 901 tranny without any modifications...

Cheers,
Nick.

Zeke · 08-14-2006, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by TargaFlorio
Sorry Randy...

Milt, I installed the starter using the washers and it works... I'll check with the supplier tomorrow, I was told that the starter I received would fit the 901 tranny without any modifications...

Cheers,
Nick.

Yeah, the (901) behind a 914 motor, me thinks.......still.