924Board.org

[Tiny]

The battery is a brand new Bosch S5 and shows as having ample charge.
I've refreshed all the wiring in this circuit, together with the alternator wiring...using heavier gauge for the ground etc.

Trouble is....with 2 days of no use in this colder winter weather, when I turn the key I get nothing...nada. Not even a solenoid click from the starter unit. All other electrics are fine.

However, as soon as I plug on the battery charger direct to the battery, with everything in situ....and turn the key...she fires right up...everytime.

But if I leave it a couple of days, this happens. My thinking is that plugging the battery charger on is giving just that bit extra that is needed to turn the sticky stuck starter motor.

I've never removed the starter or solenoid so imagine it's in a sorry state. I tried once to get at it, but it's not easy on a RHD drive car with the steering column and exhaust in the way. Couldn't even remove the damn metal shrouds to get access from underneath. Really need a car lift and some time to get this job done so think I'll have to bite the bullet and pay a garage to do it.

Do you guys think the starter in this Euro 924 AUTO is serviceable? It appears quite hard to find a suitable or updated replacement. I remember Idealo's gear reduction starter was not a possibility due mine being an Auto and spinning the other direction.
Tiny
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*****1981 - 924 - Auto - London, UK******

[Smoothie]

I've never had to replace the Bosch starter. My solenoids on the other hand need regular attention.
Sounds like your solenoid is gunked-up - not so bad that it doesn't work at all, but enough that it needs an extra strong blast of juice from the battery.
I regularly have the starter out and solenoid removed for cleaning (roughly every 2-3 years), but due to its' placement in the 931, it's real easy to do.
In your situation, I would replace the solenoid. -And to extend the life of the hidden switch within the solenoid, I dribble some spray silicone down that spring-loaded rod that you see when the solenoid's armature is removed.
Look here for more on the solenoid - http://www.924board.org/viewtopic.php?t=16983&start=1
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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

[daniel]

My starter did fail, but yours sounds like a corroded or loose battery terminal. I would suggest that when you connect the charger it is completing the circuit between the terminal and the clamp. Try pulling them off, cleaning and re tightening.
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Over the top of skyline, total brake failure.... hit the wall at over 200 kp/h at the dipper, so anyone who has to brake for the esses is a pussy.
1977.5 Race Car, CAMS Group S Spec
1989 944 Cabriolet

[Gus]

My starter did fail a few years ago and the symptoms were similar.

It seems that they fail due to gunk in the solenoid, but someone had already striped the heads of the screws in it, and to get it on the road, I just bought a cheap replacement from a german shop on ebay. Only while I got the started opened up.

Than I sold the car :|. Three years later, the cheapo starter is still going strong.