Starting problems after sitting

[echocanyons]

My 914 has been sitting since the paint shop (6mo), however I try to start it and let it run at least every month but I have not let it run for about a month and a half.
I attempted to start it today and when I turned the key it started the fuel pump(carbed) but would not power the starter or the soleniod. I figured that the battery was dead from sitting so I jumped started it. After leaving it hooked up to the other vehicle for some time I tried again to start it but with still no sucess it wouldnt engage the solenoid at all.
I started to think that maybe the starter has failed from sitting, so I climb underneath the car and bridge the solenoid and it starts fine. After it was running for a while I turned it off and tried to start it again with the key and it started fine .

Could this be a failing starter or just a dead batterydead battery?

Thanks in advance,
Kelly

[dbeardsl]

Check out the thread Titled "Starter Solenoid" I have nearly the same problem.
Also "Return of the Solenoid"

[Joe Bob]

Check the battery at the posts with a multimeter. Should read 12.5 volts and 13.5+ with the engine running.

Less than 12.5 and you fully charged it, then your battery is toast....less than 13.5 when running, charging circuit. Either the alternator and voltage regulator OR both.

[John Rogers]

I would guess the connections at the batt (both + and -) have corroded as well as the lug connector at the starter. You can pull both batt connectors, clean the area where the batt post goes and also look at where the wire goes in the terminal for corrosion. I find mine turn green in about 15 to 16 months in the San Diego area so I replace them with new cables from Pep Boys. Good luck.