Starting Problem

sjevans · Nov 25, 2004

I have a 1997 993 S
It is joyous
Recently, when starting from cold the starter motor often stops abruptly after a semi-turn before the engine fires
If I turn the key again it usually fires but may do the same again before it does
I am worried it won't start soon. It is driven every day at least 26 miles but I assume this is a battery problem.

What should I do ?

Stephen

RichardF · Nov 25, 2004

At the risk of stating the obvious, new battery?

Guest · Nov 25, 2004

I can think of 3 possibilities:

1. Battery is on its way out. If this is the case, then on colder mornings it wil be worse.
2. Alternator is not charging the battery properly. If this is the case it will get worse whatever. But I doubt this, coz it would've stopped after a few days.
3. Starter motor is on its way out - the brushes need replacing. If replacing the battery has no effect, then this would be the next step.

I would go for 1 then 3. 3 depends on how easy it is to remove the starter motor, I am not famliliar with the 993.
Replacing the carbon brushes is not that hard and a bit of wet and dry will clean the contacts, but disassembling the starter motor may be not that easy. I don't know about Porsche motors, but normally they have a few circlips that are tricky to get off. I have the scars to prove it where the pliers slipped.

plhorner · Nov 26, 2004

Stephen,
Add to the list above, check the condition of your earth straps, it supprising how these can deteriorate and cause starting problems. I know on the 3.2 it runs between the gearbox and body somewhere around the transmission tunnel, I can't imagine thats changed too much!

HTH

sjevans · Nov 26, 2004

Thanks, will get battery checked in first instance.

Does anyone have a preference for a replacement if it proves necessary ?
I am sure I remember debate on this in some magazine or other.

I assume Halfords is to be avoided

Stephen

vic cohen · Nov 26, 2004

Bosch Silverline ,the way to go and not even bad prices .............

38F3E1 · Nov 26, 2004

I have one car with unbranded recomended battery from my local independent and the other has a battery I bought from, yes, Halfords. Both have been great. I do keep them connected to a conditioner though when not in use (also bought from Halfords, 29.95 combined charger and conditioner - bloody good if only used inside as not waterproof).

Depends on how the car will be used and if it lives out in the cold or not. Some people also like the gel type batteries like Optima Red Top etc. I have no experience with these.

The batteries from the OPC do not seem to be well regarded though.