Looks like I need a new starter...

[SCWDP911]

1983 cab with stock 3.0. I am having the intermittent no start (lights are fine and fuel pump kicks on) condition that seems to typically come down to a failed starter (from researching various threads). I am going to be double checking the wiring and ground connections first to make sure, but in planning ahead, I have a couple of questions. 1) I would think the solenoid is what is really failing on these starters... if that is the case, is the solenoid replaceable on the 911 starter assy? 2) Anyone got a spare good starter they'd like to sell?

[jester911]

I would not go with a used starter. You can get a rebuilt one for around $120. You probably have the stock starter so even if it is a solenoid I would not bother replacing just that. It is a pita to get to but it isn't really that difficult. I did mine last fall and it only took a couple hours. Do a search on particulars for the job.

You just need the car up off the ground enough to get all the way under it because it basically above the tranny. Prepare to get dirty. While your there you may want to do a little cleaning.
Good luck.

[911pcars]

Sometimes, it's the starter assy., and as you rightly surmise, it's often just the solenoid that decides to die.

More often, it's a battery or battery connection issue.

Confirm the battery itself is okay. Creating enough current for the lights is not the same as enough current for starting. Check the ground connections including the ground strap under the car (trans. mount-to-body).

Bypass the ign. switch by connecting a remote starter to the ign. switch terminal on the solenoid (yellow wire) and to battery connection on solenoid. If it doesn't crank, you can eliminate the ign. switch and associated wiring as the culprit. If it cranks with the substitute wires, look to the ignition switch for a bad contact in the start position or possibly a bad yellow wire from switch to solenoid.

Remove starter and bench test just to make sure. You can bypass the solenoid too with a direct battery connection to the starter motor just to see what's working and what isn't. If you're close to an automotive electric shop or starter/alternator rebuilder, they can fix you up with a solenoid and probably a complete rebuild on yours or an exchange starter assy. Maybe a large parts store can also supply you with a new/rebuilt solenoid as well.

Used, working starters are farily easy to locate. Post an ad in the classified section if you want to go that direction. If you opt for rebuilt starter, consider a Hi-Torque gear reduction starter. It's lighter than the standard Bosch unit but otherwise equivalent in torque. Pelican sells them new. Also available on Ebay as a new/rebuilt hybrid (in parts).

Sherwood

[Jack Olsen]

The high-torque replacement is based on a commonly-used Nippondenso starter, and I'm told is rebuildable -- at Toyota-style prices, no less. This isn't the case with the stock unit.

[Craig]

I had this same type of issue on my MG just last year. Turned out to be the battery, was just starting to go and not creating enough power to the starter, but everything else worked fine.
So, I would just check the battery first before removing the starter. I checked the voltage at the battery when cranking, was all the way down to 4 volts while cranking, but was at 12v when checked with no load, engine off.
Just something simple before getting into the more difficult.

Good Luck!
Craig

[SCWDP911]

Thanks all for the tips. I was planning to check a few more things before actually pronouncing the starter dead, but hoping fopr the best while planning for the worst. I thought at first I had a battery issue, as I was able to jump start the car. But the last couple of times, it would not go from a boost, and the only option has been to push start.

That brings me to a question that has probably been addressed before, but I have found that opinions are more like ears and eyes: there always seem to be more than one. I have heard recently that the 911 should only be push started while in 2nd gear. Is this just for 915 trannies? What is the reason for it?

[Sunroof]

CHECK THE BATTERY FIRST!!!!!!!!!!!!

I went through all this recently...bendix on the starter would not enguage......checked all fittings, even replaced a ground strap, still nothing........figured I would use a jumper cable and try to jump from our mini-van. Bingo!!!! It turned out a cell went bad on my fairly new Interstate Battery. Replaced it and no starter problems since.

If you do decide to get a starter, I concur with the rest of the folks about rebuilt, but stick with Bosch. Most have a new Bendix anyways. The higher torque 1.5 hp are the updated units you probably have anyways. Now the R&R experience? Thats another thread!!!!

Good luck

Bob
73.5T