I have a 1996 C2, 39,000 miles, that has recently developed a starting problem. Last service was a 30k major in Dec 2001 (34,000 miles). I am a complete novice when it comes to mechanical issues.
When I turn the key all the way to the right the only thing I hear is a click. I then turn it all the way back to the left and wait a few seconds before turning the key all the way to the right again. After repeating this process four or five times the car will start. I am not getting any type of whirring sound. It is either a single click or the engine starts right up. Once started, the car runs fine. I am sure, I think, that this is not an alarm issue.
Related Issue? The car is also burning oil. I can smell it and see some thin white smoke coming from the real wheel well when I get out of the car. I need to add about 3/4 of a quart per month. No oil drips in the garage.
Starter? Battery? Any simple suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

It sounds like you might have a starter related problem. I think that you should drop your rear engine tray and check for valve cover leaks. I would tend to think that you might have a leak somewhere.

 

3/4 of a quart per month may not be excessive, depending upon the mileage. If you are driving 750-1000 miles per month, I wouldn't worry about the oil consumption.

I have no idea why you are seeing 'white smoke' out of your wheel well unless you have a very small leak.

Rick

 

Regarding oil consumption: I have over 70,000 miles on my car and practically no oil consumption. I get an oil change every 6,000 miles, and rarely have to fill in any oil in between...

 

What is the cost of a new starter? Can the old one be tested to see if it is the source of the problem?
As for the oil, the dealer and the books say to change the oil every 15,000 miles or once a year. Too long?

 

Here in Switzerland, Porsche recommends changing oil every 6,000 miles.

 

Jamie

I had similar problems on my starter 2 years ago and upon further inspection, I was told there was to much carbon build-up. The mechanic managed to re-conditioned the starter without replacing it and is now working normally.

993C4 Cab

 

This may be a very simple problem to solve. It could be that the battery cables themselves are corroded--either at the battery terminals or at the connection to the starter. I would first check the battery. Even as a novice, you can remove the terminals and clean them. (Read the owners manual about the radio code as you will loose the radio settings when you disconnect the battery.) If that doesn't work, then remove the engine tray and check the connection to the starter. (It's the LARGE wire). If you don't have this capability, at least you can sound knowledgeable when you talk to your mechanic! The oil leak also sound like a small problem that can easily be fixed. Good luck!