Starter grinding?

[samba]

Hello all -

Have a 2000 C2 Cab; starts fine but very recently, when starting cold, after the engine roars to life, the starter doesn't seem to release resulting in an ear-piercing grinding sound (same sound that would result from turning key to start position when the engine is already on). Seems to occur less when starting a warm engine.

Anyone have thoughts on this or experience with a similar problem? Something that can be done? Thanks!!!

[samba]

sorry - somehow posted to the 997 blog (instead of 996). I will repost in the correct spot - of course, any views would be appreciated.

[CJ_Boxster]

The Bendix isnt retracting and getting spun by the flywheel, You'll need a new starter.

[samba]

Is this the type of thing that will eventually cause the starter to go (so wait to fix it until then) or fix now because further damage may be done?

[Loren]

It may or may not have already damaged the flywheel.

I would replace it - it can only do more damage.

[samba]

Ugh!!! Has only been happening for a week or so (and as I said, not in every instance - usually when cold).

[CJ_Boxster]

If its only happened for afew weeks you should be fine replacing only the starter.

[Dharn55]

I have a couple of starters if you are interested in one. I was having what I thought were starter problems in my 2000 Cab after I put the engine back in. The starter would only click, but not turn the car over. First replaced the battery, which seemed to help for a short period of time. then replaced the ignition switch, which did nothing. Then put in a rebuilt starter, still same problem. Then put in a new starter, same problem.

Then on the advice of another owner I checked the engine ground strap, cleaned the connections and everything works fine, this was the problem from the start.

So now I have the original starter and a rebuilt starter. I will take $50 for the orignal or $125 for the rebuilt, includes shipping within the continental US. PM me if you are interested.

[samba]

thx - may take you up on it. Want to have my tech look at it first to make sure it's the starter and not the ignition switch, etc. Appreciate all the insight.

[samba]

Could it be the ignition switch? I might want to try changing the switch before investing in a starter.

[99-996]

I have a couple of starters if you are interested in one. I was having what I thought were starter problems in my 2000 Cab after I put the engine back in. The starter would only click, but not turn the car over. First replaced the battery, which seemed to help for a short period of time. then replaced the ignition switch, which did nothing. Then put in a rebuilt starter, still same problem. Then put in a new starter, same problem.

Then on the advice of another owner I checked the engine ground strap, cleaned the connections and everything works fine, this was the problem from the start.

So now I have the original starter and a rebuilt starter. I will take $50 for the orignal or $125 for the rebuilt, includes shipping within the continental US. PM me if you are interested.

Do you still have the starters? Mine is not retracting and making a wonderful noise...occasionally...but has been diagniosed as the starter. How hard was this to replace? It looks accessible...

Thanks,

Erik

[samba]

Thought I would share my experience since first posting this question.

I read a post about the "proper" way to start a 996 - wait until the timer (at the oil gauge) has completely run down (5 or 6 seconds or so) before starting. Since reading that post, I have been waiting for the timer to run down before cranking the ignition and I haven't had one instance of the starter grinding (as I described above). Not sure what it all means but not having the grinding sound is, I think, a good thing!

[Dharn55]

99-996 Sorry I sold the rebuilt starter last week. I still have the original starter. If you are interested in it PM me.

As for replacing one, it is not too hard. You have to take out the airbox and the throttle body to get access. takes a 13mm and a 15mm socket as I remember. Also have to take off the serpetine belt I think this is a 24mm socket). Then a couple of long extensions. The nuts holding on the wires are pretty easy, although the rubber cover and be a pain to hold back. The upper bolt to the crankcase is pretty easy. The lower bolt you have to go at from under the alternator and power steering pump. It is a pretty straingt shot but hard to see it. I bought a long (24") extension for this based on a DIY somewhere, but it turned out to be too long to get in, hit on the body at the back of the car. So I used a couple of 12" extensions, going in one at a time. Don't drop the nuts or bolts, it can be a bear to find them.

[Stefan]

You most likely do not need a starter. Several of us have had this identical problem and have fixed it without too much effort.