912e Starting problem
 

I recently purchased a 912e in June. The car runs
fine. About two months ago the starter only made a
click sound (and nothing would spin) about an hour it
started without a problem. I replaced the negative
ground strap (to tranny) and starter relay. Everything
worked fine until last week it did it again (later it
started okay). Also, occasionally the speedo dosen't
work. Once in a great while the speedo needle will
move when the car is stopped (very strange!).
Nonetheless the car is running good but, I wonder what
might be causing this starting problem. Any input
would be appreciated.

Your car has a 914 style motor, you would be better off posting on the 914 board. But the starter sounds like it is getting hot and creating resistance on the solenoid.

Two things you can do, get a "hot start" kit from your local parts store or replace the starter.



[This message has been edited by mikez (edited 12-01-1999).]

Just to confirm the answer of Mikez
I also have a 912E and I have exactly the same problems:

1. Starter.
If I drive the car some hours, I have the same "click". The only difference is that it will not restart after an hour : it may take more than one day. The first time it happened, I haven't found the cause, I tried again and again and I finally let the car. I came back the day after to take the car in tow : it was not necessary , the starter worked perfectly.

I have also checked everything (fuse, relay,wires...) but everything is ok.
So, problem seems to come from the starter itself.

2. Same problem with the speedometer : sometimes it works, sometimes not without any logical information.

3. I Have the 912E Book with electric sheme if interested (sligthly different from 914)

This is often discussed on the 914 site. If everything checks out I would get a rebuilt Bosch starter, on of the big ones. I had the same problem and the replacement fixed it. The Bosch part number for the 75 914 and VW bus 2.0L is the same. Probably save money by asking for the bus starter. Hal

I have a starter with a booster/hot start kit already on it...$75 plus shipping...

I have then decided to change the starter (because I don't want to get crazy anymore)
and I have somme more questions for the experienced guys.
1° What do you mean by a booster/hot start kit and a "Big" Bosh starter
2° Is the starter of the VW bus 2.0L ok or do I have to install also a "kit" on it
3° Can I install another model? Wich one?
4° Is it possible (or reasonable) to change the starter on a 912E without engine removal ?


------------------

1° What do you mean by a booster/hot start kit and a "Big" Bosh starter

That's two things...the hot start kit is a cheap fix of a problem that will also be fixed by a new starter. The Big Bosch starter is the 911 model SR68X.

2° Is the starter of the VW bus 2.0L ok or do I have to install also a "kit" on it

Yes, IF it is a type IV starter....

3° Can I install another model? Which one?

Yes, the SR68X

4° Is it possible (or reasonable) to change the starter on a 912E without engine removal?

Sure,....why not?

Good luck

Be advised that they are no new starter available any more. All are rebuilt...I went with the SR68X because I am running a higher hp motor in my 914/6. The solenoid is the part that gets hot and fails to engage until it cools down...I had a brand new rebuilt 914 type IV starter do the same thing....so I went with the beefier unit...

I have the same problem. The first time it happened, I went through the whole electrical system cleaning every ground and checking every connection. After a week of messing with everthing from the starter to the turn signal relay, I gave up. I was getting set to push start the car to bring it to an electrical repair shop and it turned over and started. I just got my car back last week after having the engine rebuilt and guess what? Last night it happened again. Since I had a new starter/solenoid put in with the rebuild, I'm not convinced that that is the problem. I'll keep you posted on what happens. If anyone has any other potential causes please let me know.

This starter problem is not unique to 912's or 914's but happened to my 86 Carrera. So what I finally did, since it was driving me crazy, was to remove it and take it down to my local Kragan auto parts store to have it checked out. To make things worse, it checked out fine. What else could I do but put it back on the car and it's been starting ever since!!!

UPDATE: After checking all the usual grounds and other connections, I crawled under the car and looked at the starter. Everything looked fine. I wiggled the yellow wire on the solenoid and it fell off. After replacing the connector the car started fine. Go figure.

It's finally making sense! I probably could have saved myself a lot of work if I just reistalled the yellow wire on my starter to make a better connection.

Thanks,

Joe Garcia
86 Carrera

[This message has been edited by stlrj (edited 01-06-2000).]

I have had a simliar problem on 67 912. I replaced the starter and still had the same problem. I think problem is related to the ingnition switch. I reached under the dash and held the back of the ingintion switch with right hand while turning ignition with the left hand. Applying a little pressure with the right hand in direction opposite of the turning of the key seemed to get it. I did feel a very mild electrical shock so if you try this, be careful, although the shock may be a symptom of the problem.

Rich Franco