83 SC won't start

[Goosh]

So what's up? Just bought my first Porsche (1983 911 SC Cab).

I drove to golf this AM, got back in the car & drove home - all okay. One hour later car would not start - just a couple clicks from up front - no starter noise etc. - reset the relays at the fuse box (random guess because of the clicking noise) and car started right up. Went to get smogged - turned off car - restarted for the smog guy, but after smogging same problem as before - would not start - we pushed it to get it started and it started right up. Got home okay, turned off the ignition and then tried to restart, but no luck - same clicks from up front but no indication that power was getting to the starter - tried to jump start with a battery pack and would not start. The battery shows 12.35 volts.
When connecting the negative terminal I got some small arcing and thought this not to be correct ... so what do I do now?
Thanks for your help!

[Goosh]

Some additional info - after above post, I reconnected the battery pack and the car started right up! Only thing different is that I connected neg battery pack to chassis and not to the battery - also, another hour or so had passed since last start attempt - maybe something is heat sensitive? Or what?

[brett25]

I have this problem too. It could be due to the heat. Check on pelican for the starter relay kit. Its a fix, however, the cause has something to due with there not being enough current going to the starter when the components get hot. The ground strap is a place to start.

After some time the car cools down enough and then it starts again

[Mothy]

Had the same thing happen to me recently - especially if you tried to restart after being off for only say 5 or 10 minutes. No clicks like when you get a low bettery - just silence when you turn the key, but with all the lights dimming like its trying to start.

Turned out it was the starter solenoid - gets stuck when its old with the buildup of dust etc. from the starter motor brushes.

Had the starter reconditioned (much cheaper than a new one) and have not had an issue since.

Tim

[SCWDP911]

sub'd

[yelcab1]

Bad starter. Replace that sucker/

[Goosh]

Thanks for the help!

What about the arcing when I reconnect the negative terminal to the battery - what is causing this? Or is this normal?

[Two Tone]

Originally posted by Goosh
Thanks for the help!

What about the arcing when I reconnect the negative terminal to the battery - what is causing this? Or is this normal?

Yes, that's normal. Thats why it's recommended that when boosting a vehicle, the last connection made should be the negative clamp made to the chassis instead of the neg. post. This way, any sparks that occur are away from the discharged battery, which may be venting hydrogen.

I rarely worry about it though.