sjg1138

My Starter is making the classic sound of not disengaging. Rather than wait for it to eat up the gear inside, I'm going to replace it. After looking around, I found a NEW one on Amazon for $100.71, delivered (AMZN Prime) , no core charge. I figure I will give it a shot.

It came nicely packaged, along with Test info. Nice touch. Will install it soon and let you know how it goes, if anyone has an interest.

BTW does anyone know if I can replace the Starter by taking out the Alternator and getting in that way, instead of taking out the intake plenum?

5CHN3LL

Nice. I need to do the same - I get the starter squeal once every few weeks...

The Pelican DIY indicates that the starter is under the rear plenum, so removing the alternator might not provide sufficient clearance.

DBJoe996

When I replaced my starter I removed the air box, then throttle body, then front plenum. That gave me enough room and sight line to the starter. Start by disconnecting your battery! Be especially careful with the oil filler tube as it is prone to breaking. I crammed several flat LED flashlights and work lights back in there in order to have enough light to see what I was doing. I covered the top part of the engine and components with some towels as padding(as well as the rear bumper). With some very long 1/2" drive extensions (3 x 12" extensions) I was able to extend all the way back to the starter bolts while keeping the ratchet out beyond the engine bay. The starter bolts were very difficult to loosen and it will require a high torque to break them loose. I believe I used a breaker bar to start. Don't lose the bolts! I was then able to back the starter out over the top of the engine and replace. Not a really difficult job...took about 3 hours with cleaning and vacuuming the top of the engine. Lot of stuff gets in there. Because you will be moving things around, you will probably bust the plastic hose nipple (they get brittle with age) on the small hose that runs up from the water pump in the middle of the front of the engine. Be prepared to replace that with a brass nipple you can get at Ace or Home Depot.

sjg1138

OK So I finished this job. Thanks for all of the advice. I was able to use a six? inch extension on a ratchet on the hard-to-see 15mm bolt holding the starter on. The bolt was torqued on there VERY tight. By using a six inch - (half inch) extension slipped over the the handle (not exactly kosher I know) of the ratchet, I was able to get enough torque to break the bolt free. I did not need a two foot extension to get this to work.

The new starter works great and I no longer have that nasty dragging sound on starts. When I looked at the big gear in the engine that the starter mates with, I could see a bit of wear, I suspect from the starter not disengaging properly (not much really, more just like some scratches).

sjg1138

Two years later and no issues with this starter.

WalterRohrl

Now you jinxed it for sure. Let us know how tomorrow morning goes.

tcc

i was just going to tackle this. You've encouraged me. thanks

Youri Ko

Drop the engine a few inches but leave it hanging on the bolts. Will give you so much needed clearance to work with intake

Function-First

I also had the starter squeal. Removed it from the car, un-fastened a couple screws to get to the inner gears, then lubed them with a dry spray-wax lubricant. That cured the problem.

The Pelican tech article directions are pretty straightforward and accurate. No need to lower the engine. Just have some long socket extensions and you're good to go! Shouldn't take much more than an hour.

tcc

that's an interesting point. I don't think the starter is shot, it just squeals after car hasn't been started for a long period. Maybe I can lube as you suggest and not replace the whole starter motor? Since I'm going to take it apart though, maybe I should have a new one handy?

Simonripley

Just ordered this from amazon for my 2000 C4. Gonna try to install it myself. Wish me luck.

porschedog

whoa - a $100 starter. You win, dude!

docmirror

I would lube and reinstall a Porsche starter before swapping out with a different one. The shaft gets a bit of scuzz on it from sitting for long periods. Fix what you have for a few hours labor and replace on condition.

5CHN3LL

I'm about a year in on my $100 Amazon starter. No complaints thus far.

Simonripley

Nice!

I've driven my car every weekend since I bought it in February. I started hearing a grinding noise on cold starts about a month ago. Hope I didn't wait too long. I plan to use the pelican install guide.