Rant - Starter

[Brando]

Ugh. So my Carrera is having the intermittent start issue. About a year ago the PO brought it to me to replace the starter solenoid. I couldn't swap it out in his driveway because of what all was involved (drop engine/trans partially, then replace). He told me he took it to Scott's Independent and he swapped it out.

Now... Having starter/solenoid issues. I bet he even replaced the whole shebang with an OEM unit. I'd personally upgrade to a Denso high-torque starter but that's me. For some reason Denso has a much better reputation than Bosch for starters/solenoids.

What a PITA. And, I'm not about to install a ford "hot start relay" like some do on 914s...

[Grady Clay]

Brando,

Rather than rant, I would look elsewhere for potential problems.

Most non-cranking issues are usually traced to an old sticky solenoid, high resistance wiring in the ‘start circuit’ or poor electrical connections in the high current starter circuit – including the battery. Even the ignition switch electrical contact assembly can be suspect.

If the PO recently installed a new or rebuilt starter and the issue is recurring, I would confirm that and then look elsewhere. If there is an issue somewhere even a Denso will have the same problem.

Does the non-crank happen only when hot, cold, after heat soak, when wet, other?

A good test is to clip a (#12) wire to the #50 yellow wire at the solenoid. Measure the voltage when failing to crank. When failing, connect (with another #12 wire) to the battery B+ and see if it cranks.

What are the condition of the battery connections and transmission ground strap? Is the starter motor tight against the transmission? Did someone add paint in inappropriate places? Check the electrical connectors at the ignition switch, through the bulkhead, at the fuse panel and the faston connector at the starter solenoid.

Diagnose, diagnose, diagnose.
Sorry for the rant.

Best,
Grady

[oneblueyedog]

Hi torque. Install it and forget it.

You don't need to drop the engine partially. Barrel nut at top is the hardest part. I cleaned it out thoroughly and used long extensions to loosen it with a ratchet from the opposite side.

Replace with a regular nut.

Check the cheap stuff first like Grady says before you buy.

Yellow wire- just do a search- it goes on and on. If you are in Dallas, I have whole spool for you

[uwanna]

I installed a Hi torque hybid starter some time ago. What a blessing! Bought off Ebay from some guy named High performance USA. Cheap too! Cranks faster, sounds better, it's much lighter, easier to install and hasn't failed me yet! No brainer.

[Brando]

Confirmed with PO. Installed a "Refurbished" Bosch unit. I'll spend some time tomorrow afternoon trying to cross issues off the list. This happens hot, cold, wet, dry, sunny, dark. It's intermittent all over the board. For now it sits in the driveway til I can get under the car tomorrow afternoon. Good thing I can ride the bike to work.

[brads911sc]

I had a similar issue... Install a high torque starter... still had the problem. Ended up being the ignition switch... The spring action was shot so replaced the whole unit... if its just the electrical part it will be 1/10 the price...

[Brando]

Update...

So I purchased one of the High-torque mini starters. Good timing too as they were $108 shipped as opposed to $121 shipped.

evilBay link: Porsche Mini Starter

I had to employ the 3P method to remove the old starter: Push, Pry, Pull. I did not undo the engine mounts, did undo the transmission cross-member and shift linkage. The little tool that saved my ass was a 10mm allen with a 10mm box-end on it to get to the barrel nut on top. Just apply all of your body weight to the tip of your fingers and *pop* it comes undone. It was the best alternative to a chain of extensions and a ratchet wrench.

Old starter removed and new starter installed... I shaved quite a bit of weight and the sound when cranking is... different, to say the least.

Bench-tested the old starter. Solenoid goes *click* and starter goes *thud*. Somebody want this to rebuild? Just pay shipping or come get it.

[tmctguer]

i replaced the starter in my 911 Speedster a few years ago, and that top bolt was the single hardest freakin' challenge i've had in the past 35 years of tinkering with cars. i did the partial tranny drop, and STILL damn near popped my shoulder out of socket trying to break that nut free using a convoluted mish-mash of socket extensions.

the heck with waterboarding at Guantanamo.....they should send all starter replacement projects there. the prisoners would be BEGGING to bring back other less cruel forms of punishment.

[tobluforu]

Does anyone want to buy a mini starter that I too bought from ebay, 50 bucks plus shipping as it was on my 72 for 1 mile and did not work due to shaft length?

[kmhemi]

Does anyone want to buy a mini starter that I too bought from ebay, 50 bucks plus shipping


Do you still have this starter ?