1989 2.7 starter problems!
 

Hi All

I've now been the proud owner of my 2.7 lux for over 18 months now in the UK. It's been pretty trouble free motoring so far apart from the last month where it's residing in the garage at the bottom of the garden with starter problems.

The batter is showing 12.3v with a multi meter across the terminals and about 12v on the dashboard meter. However when I try to start it I get a couple of clicks and can feel the starter motor begin to crank things over, then all goes quiet. I've started going round checking grounds, wires, connections etc. ... even fitted a new coil this morning, but still nothing

would appreciate anyones advice who's managed to solve a similar probem

RE: 1989 2.7 starter problems!
 

Give the starter a good whack with a hammer and see if it will turn over. When they die, they tend to get "stuck." If it works, then you know your starter is about to die for good.

RE: 1989 2.7 starter problems!
 

Hi

Thanks for the advice, not tried that technique yet, I was nearly getting to the point of hitting things with a large hammer this morning!

Will let you know if it free's it up, if it does i'll get a new one on order

cheers

RE: 1989 2.7 starter problems!
 

Hi Porsche94489,

If hitting the starter motor with a stick dosen't work....

If the starter motor spins but the engine is not cranking, then the overrunning clutch in the starter motor is slipping and the starter must be removed from the engine and disassembled and repaired.

If, when the switch is actuated, the starter motor does not operate at all, but the solenoid clicks, then the problem lies with either the battery, the main solenoid contacts or the starter motor itself.

If the solenoid plunger cannot be heard when the switch is actuated, the solenoid itself is defective or the solenoid circuit is open.

To check the solenoid, connect a jumper lead between the positive terminal of the battery and the switch terminal (the small one) on the solenoid. If the starter motor now operates, the solenoid is okay and the problem is in the ignition switch or the wiring.

If the starter motor cranks the engine at an abnormally slow speed, first make sure that the battery is charged and that all terminal connections are clen and tight. If the engine is partially seized, or the wrong viscosity oil in it, it will crank slowly.

I hope this helps!

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RE: 1989 2.7 starter problems!
 

Any flakiness with your instrument gauge readings (needles jumping, etc)? If so, with your starter problems, I'd suggest checking your grounds first. Grab a jumper cable, and connect it to the ground lug on the battery and a good chassis ground and see if the problem goes away. If not, then its most likely the starter about to die and you won't have to worry about your neighbors worrying about YOU when you take a hammer to your car to find out. :) KArls right, tho, a good tap on the starter housing is a good way to free the starter, altho its usually a short term fix.

Regards,

RE: 1989 2.7 starter problems!
 

Hi all

rolled under the car yeasterday with my whacking tool! gave the starter a couple of sharp taps, climbed back in the car, turned the key and 2.7 litres burst instantly to life!

Just about to order a new starter

thanks again

RE: 1989 2.7 starter problems!
 

Wonderful. It will probably start randomly for awhile until the starter gets stuck in that same position, then eventually completely die. Sometimes you can start it for a week before you have to hammer it again, sometimes a day. I went 6 months on a bad starter using the hammer method before it finally gave out for good. Oh...and don't try and rebuild one you hit with a starter, just get a new one, the internals get damaged eventually with the hammer method.

RE: 1989 2.7 starter problems!
 

Hi Porsche94489, are you gonna buy a new, recon or used starter?

I don't know what part of the U.K. you are based, but I can recommend a couple of Porsche breakers it you want to buy a used one.

The 1st is Club Autosport Ltd - I got a starter for my S2 from them for £50. Don't quote me but I think you should be able to get a starter for a 2.7 for about £30, I think? [X(] Their phone number is 0384 410879 - fax number is 0384 636911 and their address is Porscha House, Park Lane, Cradley, West Midlands.

The 2nd is Pro-9 - Their phone number is 01564 829911, mobile number 07074924911, their fax number is 07000924911 and their web address/e-mail address is www.pro-9.co.uk -
pro-9@pro-9.co.uk

I can't remember their address, but they will tell you it over the phone if you want to collect.

If you don't live in the Midlands area, both Pro-9 and Club Autosport provide a delivery service. (Obviously at your cost!)

I hope this helps! ;)

RE: 1989 2.7 starter problems!
 

Hi CTiggerPigglet

Thanks for the advice/numbers etc. I'll give them a call. I'm actually up in North Yorkshire (Harrogate) so we've got Specialist cars of Malton, and Strasse in Leeds nearby, plus a large Porsche breakers in Leeds who i'll try too. Decision now is wheather to spend a bit more on a fully reconditioned/new until for peace of mind. I've used PorscheShop down your part of the world for various other bits in the past and they've always been very good.

Did you take your S2 to the show at Harewood House this summer, I'm sure I saw it there

cheers

Jeremy

RE: 1989 2.7 starter problems!
 

Hi Jeremy,

No, I didn't go to that show. Even though there are (according to Porsche G.B.) only eight 944s in the turquoise blue colour that my 944 is sprayed in, it's quite common to see them on the show scene. Including my own, I've seen four of them.... H887 POF, H296 YUV, G538 WFG & G801 AUD.

If you haven't already seen my post in the 'Off Topic' section of this site about saving money on fuel in the U.K. please have a look.....every one likes to save money!!! Save Money On Fuel In The U.K.