Starter Solenoid, I have been through 4 and counting! Options

[ctc911ctc]

1974 2.0 - 24Kmiles
All stock

I received the car in late 2018, pulled from a garage in RI. Sat in the garage since 1986/88

The starter in the car was original. We removed near everything in the car, super cleaned and welded, put it all back together, and also bought a new starter. The new starter would not work right - clicked but no turn - so we put the original back in. Ran great.

Then the original started to fail (seemed like the copper wire from solenoid to motor had degenerated so we bought a 3rd. This one would not work so I returned it and got another. It worked great for a month and now this one clicks but the motor does not turn. Had to jump it with a screwdriver. Which though dangerous - works great!

At this point, over 2 years, I have 4 failed starters. One is 46 years old, the others are rebuilt (2) and new 1.

Which way would you go from here?

Another new OEM? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blink.gif)
Another rebuilt???? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/barf.gif)
Put a relay in parallel with the Solenoid? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smash.gif)
Get the super fancy Porche High Torque starter? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/first.gif)
Always park on a hill (facing downhill of course). (IMG:style_emoticons/default/lol-2.gif)

[dlee6204]

I'm going to guess your ignition switch is actually the problem and not the starter. I suggest replacing your ignition switch with OEM from Porsche (~$40) before going to the additional relay route.

I've had good experience getting rebuilt starters from my local FLAPS.

[ctc911ctc]

I installed a bypass switch for this purpose. The ignition switch is working correctly.

The switch and the bypass switch both click the solenoid but do not engage the starter........almost as if the cross-bar in the solenoid is not touching the terminals.

I'm going to guess your ignition switch is actually the problem and not the starter. I suggest replacing your ignition switch with OEM from Porsche (~$40) before going to the additional relay route.

I've had good experience getting rebuilt starters from my local FLAPS.

[Superhawk996]

I installed a bypass switch for this purpose. The ignition switch is working correctly.

The switch and the bypass switch both click the solenoid but do not engage the starter........almost as if the cross-bar in the solenoid is not touching the terminals.

Nope. Going to make alternate suggestion.

As if you don't have a good ground and the starter motor can't draw the large current it craves.

OR that you're dropping so much voltage on the way to the solenoid that it can't fully pull in. This one can also be related to ground circuit not allowing solenoid to pull enough current.

When you say you've installed a bypass switch? What do you mean by that? Where is it wired to / from? With what gauge wire?

[ctc911ctc]

Being a SuperHawk fan, I am going to tread very lightly.

The bypass (will get a picture later) is a bypass of the ignition switch. I used 12 gauge stranded wire with Soldered blade connectors. It is installed on the YELLOWish wire -actually the blade next to it on the solenoid - that signals the Solenoid from the ignition switch. The other side is the connection to the battery wire at the Solenoid. I installed this for other troubleshooting. Pretty Handy!

Though the ground is an interesting thought, I have measured the voltage against the engine (ground) of the start signal and get a solid twelve when the key is not turned and about 9v when the key (or switch is activated). A solid BUMP noise is heard within the starter/solenoid but no motor activity. This is when I get under the car with my son ( the one that likes me the most - for obvious reasons) and cross the two Solenoid terminals with a hearty screwdriver.

So with all of this information, I am centering on the solenoid - but will double check the ground wire at the battery into the wall of the car. Pretty sure that is all clean and tight. however,.,,,,,,,,,,,,, (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wacko.gif)

Thank you Superhawk!

I installed a bypass switch for this purpose. The ignition switch is working correctly.

The switch and the bypass switch both click the solenoid but do not engage the starter........almost as if the cross-bar in the solenoid is not touching the terminals.

Nope. Going to make alternate suggestion.

As if you don't have a good ground and the starter motor can't draw the large current it craves.

OR that you're dropping so much voltage on the way to the solenoid that it can't fully pull in. This one can also be related to ground circuit not allowing solenoid to pull enough current.

When you say you've installed a bypass switch? What do you mean by that? Where is it wired to / from? With what gauge wire?