Burned up three starters... ideas?

[cimedaca]

I am new a newbie, but I think I have read all of the information on this site and in these forums regarding starting problems. Nothing that I can find seems to address this issue.

My 914 will start just fine.. but after driving it a few times the starters are shot--shelled out-- like --they rattle. Yea.. I am not too bright to go through three-- but the autoparts store replaced the replacement--and I wanted to drive the car I had purchased. They obviously won't replace it again.

Could it be re-engaging somehow as I go down the road?

Based on the hammer marks on the starter that my Porsche 914 came with -- the person selling it to me had this problem as well.

I will also say that my ingnition key doesn't spring back from the starting position automatically-- but I have tried to watched it closely --and in any case it won't go back to the start postion without turning the cart completley off. It looks finding a 1971 ignition assembly is difficult as it is different then other year from what I can tell.

Any help much appreciated.

Dave

[John Rogers]

The started could be engaging as it happened to me once and when the rotating bits flew apart it locked up the engine and scared the hell out of me. That's when I found there are 2 starters for type 4 engines, one for the busses and one for 914s. Many auto parts stores only carry one now so it could be the wrong one.

[jhora]

Dave...there are two parts that make up the whole ignition switch assembly...usually the ignition key problem is the switch itself...plastic and they have a tendency to split....still work some and then not....this switch can be replaced.....then there is the lock/key part....it usually is just very gummed up from very old grease....squirting WD or the like can help some but really if you need to replace the switch...it is a great time to clean the lock part...

On the starter...not sure what you mean by shelled out....but like John mentioned with the switch problem the solenoid my still be engaging while the engine is running...this would tear it up good....

see here for some info on the switch:
http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/shopcart/9144/POR_9144_ELswch_pg1.htm#item3

Good luck!

[cimedaca]

Thanks for the information! The switch is bad regardless... so I just bit the bullet and ordered the 1971 model year switch from Pelican Parts just now. I have read through the instructions on ignition replacement some time ago, so I actually purchased a 27mm socket yesterday so I can actually get the steering wheel off. With all of the information out here I just still wasn't sure the switch was going to fix the key needing to be manually backed off of the start position. It is good to know I don't need the other part as they do not look available for a 1971.

It is interesting that my bright idea of buying a spare 1973 -914 for parts didn't work out for the very first part I needed. In this case it would probably be best to go with new anyway. Actually... it is in such good shape I don't think I can bring myself to take parts off of it anyway.

So.. I also ordered a starter on-line to be sure I get the correct one. Since my "barn find" was in two feet of water for a week a few years back I know it's starter is no good.

Wish me luck.. I got my 914 last summer and put all of maybe 30 miles on it. I haven't even tuned it up.

Thanks again for your help.

Dave

[jhora]

You're very welcome Dave....you are right it is best to get a new switch...it's just one of those things not worth taking off the parts car....I think once you see the switch you will realize how easy it is to crack...it is a damn crappy part...it has the return springing in it and not the key part....Good Luck!...take it slow and easy and you will have it out and repaired in no time and back on the streets...

Regards...John