biosurfer1

Now that it's getting hotter during the day, an annoying issue has popped up. Once in a while, but especially when the car is hot and/or the weather is hot out (like it has been) I'm having trouble with what I think is the starter.

When I try to star the car, it sounds like the starter is not engaged, I hear a spinning sound then a clunk when I turn the key off. Sometimes it only does it once, then the car starts normally, but on really hot days like today, it did it several times before the car finally starter.

Anyone ever run into this issue?

chudson

Yo surfer dude - early in my career I worked in an auto electric shop. Back then we rebuilt every starter and alternator. Based on your description of the symptom here's what may be happening and if I'm correct you have 2 choices - replace the starter or dismantle it to determine the defect.

Possible causes are your 20 year old grease between the starter drive (aka bendix) and armature is so hard that the drive is having difficulty extending (but this would typically happen in cold weather), the drive itself is failing or something is amiss with the solenoid. It takes some hunting but rebuild parts are available - but not through Porsche. I rebuilt the starter on one of mine a couple of years ago. Starter rebuilding isn't recommended for a novice. There's a retaining clip on the end of the armature that can be difficult to reinstall.

The fact that the starter motor runs suggest that the terminal 50 wire (exciter for the solenoid) is getting power from the ignition switch. It needs to be confirmed but the terminal 30 lead (battery power to the solenoid) should have power at all times.

When the starter is removed (AFTER you have first disconnected the vehicle battery) it's a good idea to have a helper SLOWLY turn the engine over by hand (using a socket and ratchet on the crankshaft front pulley) and inspect the teeth of the flywheel for possible damage.

I hope this helps

tamathumper

Does the starter fail first thing in the morning when the weather is hot, or is it more when you drive the car and leave it somewhere for a short duration, and the starter "soaks" in all that heat coming from the exhaust, and then it fails?

If it is a "soaking" failure, you can search the Internet for "gummy starter syndrome".

biosurfer1

Thanks Tama, that's exactly what is happening. I'll look into it.

Cloud9...68

I agree with Tama - it sounds like class GSS. Fixing it involves taking the stater appart and giving it a thorough cleaning. It isn't too difficult, but like Chudson says, the retaining clip at the end of the armature can require quite a bit of patience.

RajDatta

I always found it worth my time to just replace it with a factory rebuilt unit. They cost around $100 (at least last time I checked). Something to consider.

biosurfer1

For $100, I'll probably just replace. Where did you see them for $100? At Pelican they are $254 + core, Autohaus looks to be ~$200 +core.

RajDatta

Have you called sunset Porsche. I found them to be the cheapest. Come with Porsche warranty.

biosurfer1

Yep, that was my first thought, but they are currently $415 + $270 core charge and that is for the rebuilt starter!!

tamathumper

Hmm, I got a Bosch rebuilt about two years ago when this happened to me, for one-something, plus the refundable core charge.

RajDatta

Wow, I remember when it was a buck and change. That is just crazy. Didn't Porsche do a price adjustment on older car parts some time back, almost like selling them at 25% of the previous price. Their prices seem to have skyrocketed back to the 400% of past.

tamathumper

$237.61 at Paragon...

http://www.paragon-products.com/Rebu...-p/sr0428x.htm

$249.95 at Lindsey Racing,...

$258 at AutoAtlanta,...

biosurfer1

Thanks Tama...looks like Autohaus is the way to go. Seems like everything else Porsche, these too have gone up in price

Paul Waterloo

I bought my starter at a local foreign auto parts, rebuilt Bosch, last fall. $275

https://rennlist.com/forums/968-foru...eperately.html

biosurfer1

Finally had some time today to change out the starter and wow, was that ever worth it. Pretty simple to change it out and now not only does the car start better, but it also seems to idle smoother. Not to mention I wont have to worry about if the car will start in the 100+ degree weather around here!