When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Sounds like my starter bendix might be on the way out... Starter spins but doesn't always engage. Happened once last weekend and again this morning. It starts on the second or third try when cold, but am going to replace it so I don't damage the teeth on the flywheel.
[video has been added below, post #9]
For reference, part numbers:
99660410700 (PET shows this one. They are evidently similar to all the other Porsche starter motors, but a bit shorter for easier replacement)
$ (Latest version of starter) SR0451N (Bosh OEM part number for above, new not rebuilt) <<<---This is the one you probably want!
Starter prices for Bosch SR0451N (new, not rebuilt)
RockAuto: $230 + shipping
Amazon: $258, free next day shipping (just ordered this from Amazon)
FCPEuro: $302, free shipping
If you want the 996-604-107-02 in an OEM Porsche Box (still made by Bosch):
Porsche List Price: $1,738(LMFAO)
Sunset: $1,103 + shipping
Local Dealer: $2,040 (LMFAO Squared)
Just because I often end up going back to my own posts for notes, here is the compatibility of the SR0451N starter... It also seems to go by the Bosch part number 0 001 115 118. Note it is NOT the same starter as non-Mezger 996.
It's probably the starter, but have you checked to make sure your battery is good? Sometimes a battery that's starting to go will mimic this with the starter. Might be worth a shot if you're about due anyway.
Yeah, I'm sure I could take it out and likely fix the bendix portion fairly easily or have the starter rebuilt, but for $250 in parts and overnight delivery, I'll throw in a brand new starter with no down time.
Battery is pretty fresh and car lives on a battery tender, so I don't think it's a voltage issue, but I suppose it could be... Low voltage can cause the bendix to act up. I'll throw an accurate voltmeter on the battery just to check before I pull the starter.
I wasn't giving the voltmenter enough time to fully read before cranking, but the voltage was 12.4V - 12.2V pre-crank. A bit low but not low enough to keep the bendix from properly engaging.
...and if you don't know exactly how a starter operates, this video shows it nicely... If the starter spins but doesn't spin the motor, the bendix is usually the culprit. (bendix forces the spinning gear to extend out and make contact with the flywheel)
I went through this a couple years back. The attractive prices from the big independent parts suppliers may be for the standard 996 starter. The 996 Turbo starter is, as has been pointed out, very different in physical dimentions and will not interchange. However, some parts guides do show that they are the same. So be sure to inspect any "cheap" starter you buy.
I went through this a couple years back. The attractive prices from the big independent parts suppliers may be for the standard 996 starter. The 996 Turbo starter is, as has been pointed out, very different in physical dimentions and will not interchange. However, some parts guides do show that they are the same. So be sure to inspect any "cheap" starter you buy.
Definitely pay attention to what you are buying, especially if from eBay or RockAuto as their application guides aren't always acurate, but I'm almost positive the Bosch SR0451N mentioned above is the shorter Turbo starter....
[And the physically larger, non-Mezger starter is Bosch SR0808N (Porsche 99660410300). Don't get this one... ]
Definitely pay attention to what you are buying, especially if from eBay or RockAuto as their application guides aren't always acurate, but I'm almost positive the Bosch SR0451N mentioned above is the shorter Turbo starter....
[And the physically larger, non-Mezger starter is Bosch SR0808N (Porsche 99660410300). Don't get this one... ]
Exactly what happened to me from a local starter/alternator place. Thats why I just had them rebuild mine.
It is also evidently much more of a PITA on tiptronic Turbos.
This.
Tip's starter is on the driver's side, and unless you have an arm and hand the size of a small child, it's almost impossible to reach up into the small opening for access.