Starter problems

[Merv]

I have had a couple of occasions where my starter gave the oft referred to 'clunk' and then started the motor with some clatter. The engine then runs perfectly. I re-did and added to the earth connections in a couple of places and then, after no real improvement (it did spin faster), removed the starter. I benchtested the starter, passing the solenoid, with a battery and it did not spin but the pinion/shaft popped out but did not retract. I also checked the ring gear on the flywheel with a light and mirror - turning the engine. All seemed fine there. In dismantling the starter (below) I am not sure about what appears to be a bearing on the shaft between the pinion and the clutch mechanism. Should this turn freely? It turns a somewhat tightly - one way only. Is this correct? Bushes seem fine and also the armature.

Any ideas welcomed please. Seems like a new starter is the order of the day. Or can these be re-built?

[gsjohnson]

I played the starter game. It took 3 starters, the final one I sent to AGS Rebuilders in Santa Barbara for rebuild. I haven't had a problem since. Matt's a good guy. He will bench test it first and tell you what's happening prior to rebuilding it. Very reasonable pricing as well.

210 W De La Guerra St
Santa Barbara, CA 93101

(805) 965-4141

[Merv]

Thanks again, but from Australia could be a bit far ... I have re-assembled the starter after a good clean up, new thrust washers and so on and check over. The pinion shaft now pops out and returns when triggered. But I would think the start should spin! It obviously does on the car but maybe the pinion shaft was staying half out and causing that rattle against the flywheel.

The starter in there now is a Bosch (remanufactured) 003911023A. These seem common for 914 s but the plot thickens.

[Merv]

Any ideas on this? It seems that the Bendix is at fault. I thought that this might have occurred for others and that a solution could be around. I am keen to stay with the original type starters not HT as they seem to destroy ring gear over time?

[edmayo]

That sure doesn't look like the normal Bosch starter for a 911 or 914 for that matter. Have you got an assembled picture? The normal Bosch starter has a solenoid that pulls the gear into the starter, not a bendix drive. Normal Bosch rebuild number is SR17X for the 3/4H.P. and SR 68X for the 1.5H.P. which is recommended to cure hot start problems.

[Merv]

Found one here! SR17X. Should have it tomorrow. All rebuilt as well. Thanks to Matt Berry Motor Sports. The pinion release and return springs on mine and the clutch mechanism were faulty. The SR17X is also VW auto.