Starter need replacement?

[bud22405]

In replacing the corroded battery cable on my 2001 Carrera cab, my mechanic noted that the starter bolt in the 1 o'clock position continues to turn on itself and will not remain fixed for tightening (see circle in photo). Any idea on the cause? The car just went over 100K so while everything is exposed I'm thinking of replacing it, the AOS, plugs and coils along with leaking cam cover seals. The water pump and belt are new...anything else to look at or replace on a 100K engine? It has original IMS and RMS with no sign of leakage.

[JFP in PA]

In replacing the corroded battery cable on my 2001 Carrera cab, my mechanic noted that the starter bolt in the 1 o'clock position continues to turn on itself and will not remain fixed for tightening (see circle in photo). Any idea on the cause? The car just went over 100K so while everything is exposed I'm thinking of replacing it, the AOS, plugs and coils along with leaking cam cover seals. The water pump and belt are new...anything else to look at or replace on a 100K engine? It has original IMS and RMS with no sign of leakage.

 

That terminal lug is part of the starter's solenoid unit, which may be difficult to source separately from the starter.  It would be worth a search however, as the solenoid is a fraction of the price of a complete starter.

[Ahsai]

I think the nut is a self-locking nut (elongated hole instead of round). So maybe try a new nut?

I tried to search for the solenoid sold separately to no avail before but please let us know if you're able to source one. You will need to remove the starter from the car to fit the new solenoid so that's some labor as well.

 

A Bosch new starter ~$160 http://www.amazon.com/Bosch-SR0808N-New-Starter/dp/B000EPSYG8/ref=sr_1_1?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1424217711&vehicle=2001-2-10-55--8-6-7-1112-31-1-1---10-0&sr=1-1&ymm=2001%3Aporsche%3A911

Edited February 18, 2015 by Ahsai

[wvicary]

Get your "mechanic" to remove the nut and examine if the nut is damaged or the terminal threads or both.