I need some help. I started replacing the starter (intermittent no/weak cranking) and have everything apart, but cannot see a way to get the starter out past the coolant pipes (they are the metal upgrade). I'd really prefer not to open the system since there are currently no leaks and I don't want to induce any leaks or have problems with air in the system.

 

You may not be able to. I have the lower cost metal cast pipes from ecstuning and you can't sneak it past.

 

It seems impossible but it's like a puzzle and you do need to pull on it a bit for it to pop out.
I mf'd that thing for well over an hour! And even when I knew exactly where the old starter came out...the new one took me a good 20 minutes to put back in.
And mine ARE aftermarket pipes.

This is about the best I can give you as to the approximate rotation/position...

 

Thanks for the replies. I never could get it to the position you show 19psi so I opted to have it towed to a nearby german car specialist who says he can get it out past the coolant pipes. My pipes are Porsche OEM, by the way, as the previous owner had the work done at the Austin, TX dealer.

So, there's two good things out of this. 1. I'll only be charged for half the work plus a reman starter. 2. I learned how to get the trans in neutral with no battery power (left it disconnected since the fuel line is hanging out open).

 

Picked up the car and it starts like it should've all along. AOS to intake pipe broke, but they did a temp fix. Also got faults reset that were hanging out in the background along with the airbag fault. Good experience and they did get the starter out w/o removing coolant pipes.

 

Hi guys / googlers originally like me looking for the secret on how to remove the cayenne starter motor without removing /disturbing the coolant pipes.

The original post with photos is the correct angle with one exception, you need to loosen the coolant pipe bracket bolts at the top. Once you do that it allows the pipes to flex up by 3-4mm giving you enough space to pull the starter out and put back in.

If you don't remove the 3 bolts holding the pipe bracket it's impossible to remove, the ears / edges on the starter catch on the pipe work.





Happy diy

 

Search is your friend. You don't HAVE to remove that. Follow my tips on grinding the replacement starter

https://rennlist.com/forums/cayenne-...ment-tips.html

 

You don't need to grind anything, especially not around fuel lines.

Remove 3 simple bolts by where I labelled and leave your grinder in the garage. Remove the 3 simple bolts by the pipes and starter slides back in and out. No grinding no damage no pipe disturbance.
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You don't Have to any more than you have to push your own car uphill instead of driving it.

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Perhaps not impossible, BUT ,there is no way the starter will come out within seconds by the metal pipes without loosening the 3 pipe bracket bolts which also takes all of a few seconds.

There is no glory or pros in spending an hour fidgeting trying to get it out without removing these bolts, the secret is just take them out and away she slides in seconds. There's no cons to removing 3 bolts by here there's no disturbance to the coolant pipes.

If you value your time and don't want to prove you are Houdini guys just remove the 3 bolts and job done!

 

I too found it extremely difficult, but completed the job without removing the coolant pipes (metal upgrade OE).

 

You aren't grinding the starter when it is in the car. You grind the new starter before you put it back in. You also aren't disturbing the O ring seal on the front of the engine where the pipes go in by the thermostat. The shop manual doesn't mention anything about loosening those bolts. Porsche has a reason for everything and they would have put that in there if they thought it was a good idea.

 

You're missing the point fella...

The starter doesn't come out without 3-4mm of additional play. The 3-4mm of extra play comes after removing / loosening bolts on a simple plastic clip. The starter slides right out, as I explained without any detriment to any other parts. I'm not sure why you are trying to argue a more difficult approach.
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Did your always right porsche shop manual advise you to go grinding off the edges? I missed that one.

The workshop manuals are 100% correct and require no additional skilled experience to overcome problems by oversight... Said no mechanic or engineer ever.

Share the tips and tricks! Dont take things personal when someone discovers an easier way.

 

Were you on sabbatical ?

 

18 month reply?

My replacement pipes were an extremely tight fit. I had to remove the t-stat housing, put it on a bench and tap the new pipe assembly in with a rubber mallet. I doubt removing that plastic bracket would allow for any movement...and I'm not sure I'd want to disturb the o-rings and cause a potential leak.

 

They used to say the earth was flat.
​​​​​​Is it really hard to believe there's an easier way?
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My god, the next time I do this job I'll record a video showing how easy it is and how the amount of additional play does not disturb the o-rings.
Although you'll probably claim it's CGI trickery.

Any Googleers just remove the damn clip, the 18 month reply is how long it will take for them to get it out without doing so.

Its as easy as I pictured. If you don't want to do it that way struggle on like a fool I dont really care it's your life waste it how you will.