thstone

My 99 C2 144K miles has been getting progressively harder and harder to start - the starter just barely turns over. The battery is only about a year old so I thought I'd replace the starter motor.

Then... I read that the battery-starter-alternator cable could also cause this symptom, so I figured that I'd replace it at the same time.

Then... I read it the engine to body grounding cable could also cause this symptom, so I figured that I'd also replace this.

Parts arrive and I dig into the job - remove air box, remove throttle body, remove intake T, remove serpentine belt, remove alternator.

Then... I notice that the throttle body needs cleaning, so off comes the idle control valve and the entire assy gets a good cleaning.

Then... I notice that one of the throttle body T intake boots is split. So I order replacements for both sides.

Then... I notice that the alternator bearings are making noise. Not really bad but definitely not good. So I order a new alternator.

Then.. I notice that the idle pulleys and the tensioner pulley bearings are also making noise. Order all of those.

Then... I notice that the serpentine belt is looking worn. Order it.

Then... I break the hard plastic vacuum line that controls the resonance flapper on the intake. Oops.

Lots more parts arrive and I re-installed the following;

• New starter
• New battery-starter-alternator cable
• New engine to body grounding cable
• New vacuum line
• New alternator
• New idler pulley's
• New tensioner pulley
• New belt
• Cleaned throttle body
• New throttle body intake boots
• New throttle body

Whew! What began as a hard to start problem and an expected $400 repair turned into an entire engine accessory overhaul for $1340 in parts! Glad that I can DIY this stuff or it would have cost me a small fortune.

Here is a video (just listen to the sound) of the bad vs new alternator bearings;

Here is a pic of the dirty throttle body;


Here is a pic of the split intake boot;


My work area;

Isaac747

What kind of noises were the idle pulleys and the tensioner pulley bearings making? Did you notice from noises while running the engine or is that a stupid question?

alpine003

LOL, you think that's dirty?

Macster

For your sake, if you start to feel ill, do not attempt to medicate yourself!

kalyan

What's under the covers?

thstone

The tensioner and pulleys sounded a lot like the alternator. I could hear/feel the bearing noise when the belt was removed but could not hear them (yet) over the normal noise level from the engine (which is why I hadn't thought that they would need replacement).

thstone

#254 Spec Boxster that I race with POC and PCA. Car history can be found here: Spec Boxster Build

thstone

Here is a race video;

Rubik

Dude, I like your enthusiasm! This is what a Porsche owner should be like. ... Unlike that other guy that was looking for plumber's tape or whatever.

Hurdigurdiman

For a car with high mileage, parts money well spent.

996_North

Money and time well spent!

Gonzo911

You probably just needed a new battery!

kalyan

very nice!!