Starter problem - again and again
 

Hi guys,

frequently when I start my '68 SWB 2.0 after a couple of weeks the same thing happens: fuel pump works, dash lamps work but starter doesn't. Four, five attempts - and all of a sudden it works and everything is fine. I don't think it's a battery problem, battery is permanently connected to C-Tek charger. Any suggestions?

Thanks a lot
Peter

Bad starter.

Simple, isn't it.

Or a bad chassis ground perhaps.

happens all the time... Starter solenoid plunger gets 'sticky' in its bore. Can't slide quite far enough to engage the contactors. Take the starter apart, clean and lube and be good to go for many more years.

The wire bringing 12v to the starter can get gnarly overtime with engine heat and elements. Try to put a remote starter on the two lugs on the starter to see if you get consistent starts. It could be just the wire.

its probably a bad solenoid. the solenoid can be "rebuilt" for FREE, but you have to know how to solder. basically the contacts get burned and erode but only on about half. you can rotate them to the good side.
first I would make sure the battery is charged and good. have it tested.
clean ALL major power connections. both positive and grounds.
verify you are getting power to the solenoid from the ignition switch when it wont start.
I would use a test light. compare the light to the battery connection at the starter to the ign sw power. a MM will measure 12v but there not be enough power there to pull in the solenoid

here is my rebuild

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/631173-solenoid-starter-rebuild-finally.html

All good ideas above. I would also include possible bad ignition switch.

I was on the verge or replacing the starter on my '88 3.2 because every once in a while when I turned the key... noting. A couple more tries, and the starter would go. Decided to do the simple stuff first & replaced the ground strap under the car. Bingo... starter's been perfect ever since. Clean connections are important here as the starter demands a greater power draw than most other items. If the simple things don't work, then move on to the more pricey options.

Pete3799, I agree it could be the ground. I spent a couple hours one day and cleaned every ground on the car. Some where looking really bad. The starter is the largest current draw of the electrical system.

Yep! :D