Need feedback re motor mount repair

[jrhone]

I have a 87 944s that was vibrating a great deal at idle. I am a new Porsche owner, so all I knew is that I wanted the vibrating to stop. Took it to a reputable Porsche shop in my area (SF Bay Area), who diagnosed that the motor mounts were bad and replaced them. 2 days later, the car won't start. Getting power from the battery and everything works -- horn, lights, etc. My brother thinks that the Porsche shop didn't hook something back together and this is the problem. The Porsche shop claims I may need a new starter. Need feedback on what I can check before I spend another $500 on this repair. Thanks so much!

[p0r2chby]

I am in the south bay area... What shop did you go to?


The start problem could be a simple as a DME relay.

Does the car make clicking sounds when you try to start it.

Is the starter motor engaging but the car not firing.

(the starter is s super easy repair. You can get one "used" from "parts heaven" in Hayward and do the R&R yourself if you have ANY mechanical ability)

[Scott R]

I would not think replacing the motor mounts would cause the starter to go. It's a pretty simple procedure, and it's not anywhere near the starter wiring harness. These things happen, I wne in for a belt tension, and mine lost the starter relay while in the shop. Cost me an extra $30.

[Mrmerlin]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by jrhone:
Hi JR you didnt say if it is cranking or not? If not then you might want to look at the starter wires, also there is a starter connection by the top rear of the master cylinder brake booster it has a couple of wires and a white plug make shure this is connected ............Stan

[jrhone]

Thanks for the quick replies. The shop did change the DME relay. The symptoms are when I turn the ignition on, nothing happens -- I hear one click and that is it.

How do I tell if the starter motor is "firing"?. I don't mean to sound dumb, but I am a woman who is really new to this.

[p0r2chby]

By "firing" I meant is the starter turning the motor over. Thus, is the motor turning over but not starting.
From your most recent description, I'm more inclined to think about the starter and it's misc. wiring.

Don't worry about your gender and not finding a solution to this problem. A lot of the "guy's" on this board are also mechanically challenged.

Originally posted by jrhone:
Thanks for the quick replies. The shop did change the DME relay. The symptoms are when I turn the ignition on, nothing happens -- I hear one click and that is it.

How do I tell if the starter motor is "firing"?. I don't mean to sound dumb, but I am a woman who is really new to this.

[jrhone]

Thanks for the clarification. No it is not firing. When I turn the key nothing happens. I live in Antioch and if you know someone who is willing to come and put the starter on, I would be willing to pay for that. Thanks again!

[lordgrommit]

This is kind of a long shot but has happened to me more than once. If the starter motor is not in properly (ie at an angle of some kind ) the starter pinion will become locked into the gear ring. The one click made me think of this. try rocking the car back and forth in gear and see if you hear a clink and try to start again. or get under the car and unbolt the starter and check it out.

Matt

[mideastmafia]

i hope NOT,

but if your car IS automatic, then the neutral safety switch might be your problem.


SHAUN

[jrhone]

Shaun -- thanks -- not an automatic ...

[Weldin]

Is your battery good? Very simple -- but very important!

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

[jrhone]

Yes, battery is good.

[macreel]

JRHone...also, be sure battery & starter cable connections are clean; 'tho I'd have
thought the shop would have taken care of that, ...but You Never Know. Clean & tight
connections solve a lot of problems. G'luck.

[DennisR_944]

Turn the headlights on and then try to start it. If the lights go really dim...it's the battery. If it's a cheap battery, they go suddenly like that.

[Mike B]

Got to ask...What does JR stand for...

[Cebu]

On occasions, if the engine is raised to replace the engine mounts, the starter wiring is pinched between the starter and undercarriage of the vehicle damaging the wiring,and or connections at the starter. Ensure that power is getting to the starter at the starter/solenoid connections.