Intermittent starter fault.

[pauly]

Occasionally when I turn the key, there's just one click from the starter area. When it happens usually 2 or 3 attempts and the starter works. Today it didn't, and twice I had to rock the car forward with it in gear before the car would start. So where do I begin?

[Wh1t3Kn1ght]

Probably the starter solenoid needs replacing, you can fit a new solenoid but probably similar cost to exchanging your existing starter for a reconditioned one.

CP4L sell Lucas reconditioned starter motors and alternators - even though it says Lucas it will probably be an original OEM starter that has been reconditioned by Lucas.

https://www.carparts4less.co.uk/p/lucas ... -402330031

I had my replacement from Porschapart several years ago but if doing today I'd be going for the Lucas one above.

[pauly]

Thanks for the link. £150 exchange, guess it's worth a look to see if it's an easy fix first.

[Waylander]

You can buy all the parts to fully refurbish a starter from Wood Auto for about £60, it’s not hard as I can do it

[pauly]

You can buy all the parts to fully refurbish a starter from Wood Auto for about £60, it’s not hard as I can do it

Sounds like a plan, I thought sticking/worn solenoid?

[tr7v8]

IF it clears by rocking it forwards & back it could be the solenoid &/or a dead spot on the starter. I have seen worn brushes or commutator do this. You can get the bits to rebuild it but given the mileage & work it has done I'd get a decent recon.

PS it is 944 electrical week! ALternators, now starters?

[pauly]

The car has done just over 100k, but it's 29 years old. If the solenoid is in good shape, moving the starter dead spot by rocking it sounds about right.

[Wh1t3Kn1ght]

When mine went it was worse when the car was hot / warm, the starter is very close to the exhaust pipes on the turbo, not sure about the other models, I've heard heat kills solenoids.

[pauly]

No difference, hot or cold. It's done it for years, time to sort it out before it strands me.