Long time lurker first time poster.

[Heidi]

Hello there,

1989 Carrera
First the obligatory photo:



Thank you in advance for your help. I purchased a new Optima 34R and adapter. I charged it prior with a Battery Tender. Voltage is 12.8v. Installed it, all electric seemingly working fine but no start, just a click at the starter. Put old ginormous Interstate back in, starts fine. Put Optima in Jeep, starts fine. Put Optima back in Porsche and now it starts fine and continues to do so.
I checked all connections and did the swap between the Optima and the Interstate multiple times before I put the Optima in the Jeep, and the Interstate started every time and the Optima did not. I had the Optima tested at Pep Boys and it came back good with well above advertised CCA.Did putting it in the Jeep do something? It seems fine now but I'm concerned that it may strand me. Any ideas?
Jamie

[porwolf]

I had a similar situation once on my '82 Landcruiser and it turned out to be the ground that was corroded internally from creeping battery acid. Depending on how you bent it it worked or not. I replaced the ground cable and the problem disappeared.

[E Sully]

Check the ground cable on the transmission to body also.

[Rodsrsr]

Agreed on checking all ground cables and connections. Nice G50 Carerra BTW and welcome to the forum.

[kidrock]

Hello Heidi, welcome....very nice example.

Your issue is a common issue with these cars. As Ed (Sully) and Rodsrsr pointed out, check and thoroughly clean the ground strap located at your transmission to frame. Also do the same to the ground strap from battery to body.

Lastly, the most common issue is the old Bosch starters...they tend to have issues with the solenoids. A light tap to the solenoid body with a tool is a temporary fix. A permanent fix is to replace your old Bosch with the new High Torque aftermarket starter.

[Heidi]

If the ground strap at the transmission was at fault, why would one battery have an issue but not the other? I swapped back and forth between the batteries at least 6 times and the Interstate cranked every time. I could see the battery ground strap being an issue what with all the moving it around to change the batteries but I checked the ground strap and it really looks brand new, shiny copper braid.
I appreciate the help, this really has me stumped. I guess I'll just park on hills when I'm away from home for a few rides to be sure.

[porwolf]

Could it be that your Optima battery just does not always deliver enough current to get both your starter solenoid and your starter motor always going? Maybe they require more amps due to old age and the Interstate can provide them.

[RWebb]

the maintainer may not have charged the Optima all the way

do the gnd. strap tho - basic maintenance

[Targalid]

Remember to check the negative battery cable where it attaches to the car body. It can be shiny at the battery, where everybody looks, and oxidized between the body and the cable. It could be that your Interstate has slightly different geometry for the cables which causes just the right pull on the ground connection at the body to give a stronger connection. Just a theory. My Optima cranks first time every time.

[regency]

Lov the 89 Coupe.....white & without the tail.

1973 911 T MFI Coupe, Aubergine

Steve

[Heidi]

Thanks for the help and the compliments.
I will remove the ground strap and check the contact with the chassis. Is it wise to put dielectric grease on that contact point?

[Targalid]

Yes, use grease. It helps keep oxygen and moisture away from the metal.

[RWebb]

clean the surfaces carefully first using strong vinegar held in contact there for a day or two - the metal will be shiny

you then wash the vinegar off; I spray contact cleaner or DeOxit etc. on and then the dielectric grease

[vesnyder]

Welcome Heidi! Good to have a feminine touch around here.

My impressions of the Optima - not good. I recently swapped mine out for a traditional cell battery after about 4 years. After the first year it would constantly drain and getting it receharged was a process. My standard Sears recharger would not recharge it. I would have to "shock" it into accepting a charge. It was a process and a PIA! Went with the traditional and have never regretted it. Hope your luck is better than mine.

Nice Carrera BTW.

[pete3799]

Clean the ground strap (both ends) at the trans. and chassis.
Had the click click problem with mine when i first bought it. After cleaning ......no problems.

[SilberUrS6]

Nice car. And the naked butt is perfect!

[Heidi]

Full discosure: I was afraid my screen name may be a problem. My car's name is Heidi, it is female, I am not. Although, if it means I get more assistance and tolerance, please continue to think of me as so. I did sign off my original post with my real name but it to could be confusing.
Thanks again for the help. I had it out for a while today and no issues but I will clean up the ground.

[regency]

"POOF".........well thanks for that, the gal that cleans my teeth every 6 months is Heidi and lets just say.........I look forward to the appointment.

1973 911 T MFI Coupe, Aubergine

Steve

[Troubled944]

Well, the car is gorgeous, just like every other Heidi I know...

[71scgc]

Originally Posted by regency

"POOF".........well thanks for that, the gal that cleans my teeth every 6 months is Heidi and lets just say.........I look forward to the appointment.

1973 911 T MFI Coupe, Aubergine

Steve

I have an eye doctor kinda like that. You'd about poke yourself in the eye just to go see her.

To the OP. Yeah, your real name can be a little confusing too...

Carter