LA Mechanic, Suggestions on a mechanic in LA? Options

[RMCD]

Hi new here and to a 914. I'm in an apartment complex without a garage so I can't do too much work on the car (nor do I know how yet). Does anyone have a recommendation for a mechanic in LA?

I'm excited to learn over time but I just drove it from Seattle to LA and the final day of the drive the starter stopped working, so it has been rolling starts since.

I couldn't find it in another thread, sorry if I missed it and sorry if asking for a mechanic is sacrelige.

Thanks,
Ryan

[Tom_T]

Nice pic Ryan! .... & a brave 1st timer drive!

I'll let the LA folks recco shops up closer to you, but PM me later if you come up dry & I can recco some OC ones.

With all the rain coming down from Seattle, you may also want to check to make sure that you're not getting a short from the wetness &/or corrosion at any of the starter & battery connections. That can cause low voltage insufficient to turn the starter &/or to move the solenoid.

That starter issue is common on 914s & all VWs at some points in their lives, & sign that you're ready for a new one, but you'll probably only find reman Boash units out there, or an aftermarket replacement in standard or high-torque flavors..

There is another workaround if you can't push it, but you'll need a helper in the car to turn the key to start it, while you crawl under with a ball peen hammer, heavy wrench or something to tap on the side of the body of the starter motor while they crank it. Only try this a few times, so you don't run the battery trying to start it if the starter/solenoid is completely gone.

We used to affectionately call this developing a "flat spot" on the starter, but more correctly it's really either a sticky solenoid, or sticky shaft/bearings on the starter itself, or a section of the windings which aren't developing enough current to turn the motor.

At some point all of us have gone thru the above starter tapping trick &/or parking on a slope for a running getaway! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

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PS - You're on the right forum for this topic/question, & lots of folks ask for mechanics. It's also a good idea to plan longer trips ahead with a list of shops who know 914s along your route.

Cheers! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)
Tom
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[emmanueldelvalle]

There is a little shop in Montery Park (IMG:style_emoticons/default/welcome.png) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/welcome.png) on the east side of nL.A.

Jim's Vw Service & Repair
Jim has been there for over 20 years

849 E Garvey Ave
Montery Parc 91755

(626) 288-9760 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/welcome.png)

[914-300Hemi]

Ryan
Very nice car
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Replacing the starter is an easy job that can be done with no special tools.

What part of LA are you in?

[SO.O.C914er]

Congratulations on the nice find. If you get into some serious motor work or maintenance Hector at PCH garage in sunset beach is the man to see. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/welcome.png)