Brad from Texas seems to have a starter issue on his car and needs some help.

We've taken the 14 pin connector off and jumped it straight to the jump post and he has no response from the starter. If someone could lend a hand either checking the connections at the starter or assisting in putting in a starter that would be great. He's stranded at a hotel right now.

His number is (720)-480-6032

Thanks.

 

Hook everything back up. Have someone hold the key in the start position while someone whacks the starter body with a hammer (if it is a stick, make sure it is out of gear.) Standard stuff for Bosch starters.

There's a rest stop about halfway between LA and Vegas. On a "POC" or "PCA" event weekend in Vegas, one could make some serious bucks getting Porsches started, with just a trusty hammer, at that rest stop.

 

As Sean posted, I'm in Bakersfield, CA with a non-starting 928. Couldn't have happened a better place, other than home. Car is parked safely outside my hotel room, about 2 miles from my son's home, and I don't plan to leave for TX until 12/28.

Turning the key brings on dash lights and antenna, but zilch from the starter.

Greg, thanks, I'll try the hammer trick tomorrow. If that doesn't work, I'll try to get a local mechanic or dealer install a new starter. If it does work, I'll probably have a new starter installed anyway just to be safe on the 3 day drive back.

I am a good home handyman, but inept at fixing cars. Glad this is not happening to me out in the desert someplace! I'm still happy I took the risk of taking my 1981 on this road trip. The fun far exceeds this hassle.

Brad

 

I had an alternator problem when I first bought Blumaxx and drove it across the US from VA to MT, sight unseen! Was in the middle of nowhere and nothing (in South Dakota) when the alternator took a crap. I hunkered down for the night in an out of the way roadside motel (where I was convinced I was going to be murdered - too many slasher movies for me), and the next day, got the car to Souix Falls on a hope and prayer. Found an actual authorized Bosch center, and the guy took me right in - put the car on the lift, and it was nothing more thanthan a loose connection - a couple of washers were added, nut tightened and I was on my way. One of the more memorable but best trips I've had.

 

So, if it is a 5 speed can you not start by pushing? I did this many times on my 79, but only once on my S4. It may not be a good idea, but I did get home.
I started it in second gear.
Dave

 

I had a bad yellow wire to the starter. had to rebuild the front engine harness. If you are really in a pinch, you can jump the posts on the starter, Battery cable to solenoid. Battery cable is huge wire, solenoid is smaller wire. (that is actually the keyed wire) This is the old screwdriver trick. If this is your problem, and you need to drive, get a remote starter switch from a place like advanced auto. It is just a push button with two wires. you can can attach it to the two hubs, run it into the cabin, and turn the starter like a key.

As was mentioned, you will have to be under the car, so be safe, and think what life will be like at least 10 seconds from now. We don't want you or anyone run over.

the screwdriver is a quick test of the starter functionality, and can rule out an electrical issue.

Also check and make sure you don;t have a bad battery. You will get aux stuff and not start with a weak battery. try a jump, that is the first thing I would do, then try the screw driver to see if the starter clicks.

 

I had similar symptoms to Brad with the starter on my '89. What was happening is that the original grease on the starter shaft was getting old and hard and gumming up the starter to the point that it either wouldn't retract fully or wouldn't retract at all. I sprayed the extended shaft of the starter with carb cleaner to allow it to retract and loosen the gunk. I then used spray lubricant on the shaft and I have had no additional problems since.

The nice thing is it took about 5 minutes to do and I didn't have to remove or replace anything at all.

YMMV

 

I have a spare starter at home in the Bay Area, and Id fly down to do it..

Except im in Houston.

 

If you're getting absolutely zilch sound at all from the starter it sure sounds like the solenoid could be jammed, and a little 'percussive maintenance' as Greg suggests, has a good chance of working.

 

So is it a 5 speed or automatic?
Dave

 

Automatic.

I don't want to risk a repeat somewhere in the desert on the drive back to TX, so will be taking it to a Porsche dealer 7 miles away to have them check it out and probably install a rebuilt starter. Will keep you guys posted. Many thanks for your help!

Brad

 

Have you tried the hammer trick yet?

 

I didn't try the hammer trick, though I was sorely tempted. I am no longer able to get under a 928 and then get back to my feet with any degree of ease. The son who would be helping me likes to work on cars, but lost his legs and an eye in Iraq, so would probably find it challenging as well. It just seems easier all around to have the dealer service department do it.

I did call 928 International, though, to make sure they have a rebuilt starter in stock There's a lot of lonely highway between Bakersfield and DFW, so replacing it seems like good peace of mind insurance.

Brad

PS to JoeJoe: Thanks for the call and help offer. Might be fun to compare our Chiffon '81s if you get down this way.

 

I'll be driving up highway 99, right alongside Bakersfield, on Friday, if you need someone to look.

 

WOW , Doc Brown does house calls !!!