mdowell

Every time I go to start my '92, I turn the key and the starter turns the crank a tiny bit then spins free (at high RPM) for a second. I turn the key off, then to start again and it starts fine. It started happening more frequently when I put a new battery in and started "tending" my battery when I am not driving it.

Does this happen to anyone? Any ideas what could cause it?

crg53

I would check the connections at the battery, make sure the contacts are clean, and check the ground cable to chassis side, also check the ground cable at the starter motor, you need to get under the car . You may also have a failing starter motor i.e. Bendix drive.

Rocket Rob

+1 - sounds like you bendix is starting to fail.

elbeee964

oh, yeah... starter.
After contacts are confirmed clean/tight, put in an order for a new starter.
(Manual and Tiptronic trannys require different starters, btw.)

Along with clutch slave cylinder replacement, this isn't one of the most fun jobs to do.
Quite doable - just not fun. Sorry.

mdowell

Thanks guys. I know the connections at the battery are clean, I will check the one on the starter. If it gets worse, Partsgeek.com has a replacement for $180.

altarchsa

Haven't seen this on my 911's, but lots on other cars. If high mileage, flywheel can get a worn spot in the teeth where the engine usually comes to rest on shut down. When you crank it, the Bendix on the starter may catch just enough to move the flywheel, then spin when it doesn't fully engage in the worn teeth. Then when you crank the second time, the Bendix will go all the way into the worn teeth and crank normally.

You can raise the rear wheels (all 4 on C4) off the ground, rotate the flywheel by manually turniing the engine and inspect it through the openings in the bell housing.

Hope it's just the starter. Good luck.

mdowell

altarchsa: Ah, good thought. I had a Rx7 that that the ring gear separate from the flywheel and it kind of did that same thing. It would eventually catch from friction and start.