jdk1

I have a '99 C4 and am starting to get a metal grinding sound occasionally at startup (48K miles). The consensus in the archives seems to be that this noise indicates the eventual demise of the starter.

However, different posts indicate the replacement cost of the starter ranging anywhere for a low of $457 to a high of $5,000 (engine had to be dropped?)

Has anyone had one replaced recently?

Thanks,

Jeff

1999Porsche911

Engine does not need to be dropped. It is fairly easy to get to and replace the starter. Remove the throttlebody, remove 1st intake tube and remove alternator and you can get to it.

jdk1

Thanks much! That makes me feel A LOT better!

nsx4pete

yeah, dont need engine drop! I am the guy who spend ONLY 457 on a starter (parts/labor). If you can get the part for cheaper, then maybe you clear the job for under 400.
p.s. mine was making noise from day one, and I didnt change it until 7 months later. Unless the car is having a hard time turning over, you might actually have time on your side!
Peter

stuart_w

this must be another Porsche niggle as my 996 with 57k on the clock has started to make the same noise. Luckily I purchased a 3yr warranty when I bought the car 5 months ago and they are committed to replacing the starter. Replaced the head set and front speakers with Alpine cos the stock radio is crap and now the car is just great.

Eli at Pelican

http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/..._pg1.htm#item5

I can even get a rebuilt one for a little less.....

-Eli

Loren

I show a Porsche retail (MSRP) price for:
996 604 103 00 Starter (new) $566.10
996 604 103 X Starter (rebuilt exchange) $230.71 (prices as of Oct 2005)
You could try Sunset Imports in Oregon. They sell Porsche parts at dealer cost plus 15%.

Oh, and you do not have to drop the engine. The job takes less than 1 hour.

Eli at Pelican

Maybe Sun--- will become a supporting vendor to Rennlist one day. Then it can be cost plus 20%.......

Or maybe the supporting vendors here will just move on by......

That is why Rennlist asks it's users to support the board sponsors. Without the support of the board sponsors Rennlist might not be here to provide it's users with the place we've all come to congregate......

Thank you to all who have chosen to support it's sponsors,

-Eli

Eli K

http://catalog.eautopartscatalog.com...F&part=Starter $186
Free shipping too...

Sorry, I don't buy the "support your vendor" line. Why would one pay DOUBLE just because the overpriced vendor advertises on the board?

Eli at Pelican

Hey if you feel comfortable with buying your parts from a store who also sells Hyundai, Honda, Suzuki, Acura then

I'm sure you're also O.K. with Petboys working on your car too...

Good luck and thanks again for those who have chosen to support "THIS BOARD" by supporting it's sponsors.....

-Eli

Eli K

Eli,

You can't possibly be serious when telling me that identical Bosch starter from Pelican is any better than one from any other vendor, and no I work my the car myself, have just as my faith in any high end shop as I do in Pepboys.

FWIW I pay my yearly dues along with other members, which should be MORE than enough to run this board...
Paying double to a vendor just because he's a "sponsor" is an equivalent of lighting dollar bills on fire, at least in my book.

Eli at Pelican

[QUOTE=Eli K]Eli,
, and no I work my the car myself, have just as my faith in any high end shop as I do in Pepboys.
QUOTE]

"You have got to be kidding"....... I'd rather have my car flat-bedded four cities away to a P-dealer to do the work then to let Manny, Moe and Jack's kids learn from my car......

I'm opting out here, no need to debate over where you can save the most money on this thread......

-Eli

Thanks again for those who choose to support the board!

Eli K

Agreed.

vove

I would buy the parts from my neighbor if he has the identical parts for a lower price..