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falconboy · Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2007 9:34 pm Post subject: Starter motor problem

Hi guys, my starter motor often doesn't work when my car is hot, but when it's cold it's fine. it's been like this for a couple of years now but I'm getting fed up with it. My conclusion is that the starter solenoid is the problem but the best solution is to just replace the starter motor. Does anyone have any thoughts on this or disagree?
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82, 5 speed, NA

Smoothie · Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2007 10:05 pm Post subject:

Yes, a dirty gunked-up solenoid will cause that. I'd just clean the solenoid. -Or you could replace the solenoid, but clean and keep the old one as an emergency spare.
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"..it's made in Germany. You know the Germans always make good stuff."

'82 924T, US version, dark green metallic, 5 speed Audi 016G gearbox

Rich H · Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2007 11:02 pm Post subject:

Bit of a drift...

Is there an easy way of getting to the top nut on the back of the starter? Took me ages and I had to use some of my more industrial swearing too!

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1994 Lotus Esprit S4 - Work in progress...
1980 Porsche 924 S2 DITC Turbo - Original spec
1978 Homo-Sapiens - Tired spec
1953 Landrover S1 - Pensioner Spec

falconboy · Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2007 11:18 pm Post subject:

that's a bit a concern for me too, I haven't tried to take the starter off yet but on previous visits under the car I could barely see the thing so any advice or tips anyone has on getting it off would be appreciated.

Also are solenoids readily available, cost effective and easy to replace alone. I thought the best thing to do would be just replace the starter because a few years ago on another car the voltage regulator was shot but the best thing I could do when I looked at it was just to replace the whole alternator because it cost about the same and was a lot easier to do and source.
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82, 5 speed, NA

Smoothie · Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2007 11:31 pm Post subject:

Over here it makes sense to just replace the relay - they can be bought for $35-$40. A whole starter is about 4x or more than that.

Someone else will have to help with details on NA starter removal. I'm on easy street with the starter being mounted differently on the 931, but I've heard of the fun it's not to deal with an NA starter + you have the steering on that side to further complicate things. Apparently there can be a heat shield on it that only adds to the fun..
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"..it's made in Germany. You know the Germans always make good stuff."

'82 924T, US version, dark green metallic, 5 speed Audi 016G gearbox

falconboy · Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2007 11:50 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the advice smoothie. I'll have a search around for a solenoid tomorrow, does anyone know the part number? I presume it's a Bosch starter cause everything else electrical I've come across on the car is Bosch.
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82, 5 speed, NA

Nobbi · Joined: 24 Aug 2006 Posts: 1396 Location: Germany

Hey,

i think you might check if the heatshield is installed on your car?
If not this couldt be the fault, and changing the starter wont help anything.

Another possebility is the yellow wiring harness that goes from the battery area down to the starter, check all plug-in`s for good connection.
( I know, it is not heat-sensitive but worth checking it)

Nobbi

Smoothie · Posted: Wed Aug 29, 2007 1:29 am Post subject:

Heat can cause a gunked solenoid to stop working altogether. I've had it happen in the past on my own car. Much of the heat is from "heat soak" that occurs after shutdown - temperatures rise and spike before coming down. Dirt reduces the space between the plunger (armature) and the cylinder it's in, then heat reduces it further - and enough to completely immobilize it. It most likely only needs cleaning, and that's what I'd do with a 931, but given the extra difficulty in removing-replacing the 924NA starter, I'd replace the solenoid just to be sure.

BTW, the starter motors themselves are very tough. I'm still using the one that came with my car when I bought it in '92. It's even possible that it's the original one that came with the car when new in about '82. The carbon brushes are still good and haven't been replaced, but I've given it many solenoid cleanings and a few solenoid replacements.

Solenoid Part# - 059.911.287.B

Do put the heatshield on it too.

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"..it's made in Germany. You know the Germans always make good stuff."

'82 924T, US version, dark green metallic, 5 speed Audi 016G gearbox

Slam · Posted: Wed Aug 29, 2007 3:58 am Post subject:

Removing the heat shield will be your biggest headache. Most of it'll be rusted and/or bent. The two starter bolts are tough to get to and get a good angle on to break them free, but they're not that bad. Check while you're in there to make sure none of the wires to the starter have grounded out against the body or shielding. It's a silly place for a starter, really. It is true that replacing the solenoid is a good first attack. HTH
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'88 944 Auto - may or may not resurrect