987 warm startup problem?

[jsl20]

My 987 Cayman sometimes makes an interesting noise during warm start up, but never when cold. A did a bit of a Google and found someone else with the exact same noise who uploaded this:

https://m.soundcloud.com/dajw/porsche-cayman-start...

The forum thought it might be the starter motor slipping. Has anyone had this noise before? The car seems fine otherwise.

[jsl20]

How do I know when it's time for a replacement?

[Rockster]

Sounds like the overrun clutch of the starter motor gear is dragging a bit.

When to replace? When it gets much worse. Sorry, but while my Boxster has manifested a similar noise it went away on its own. Tech said when the time comes possibly the starter could be rebuilt vs. replacing it with a new one.

Generally the overrun clutch is a sealed unit and I'm not sure if there is anything else that can be lubed that would help. Possibly -- one would have to have starter out -- the shaft/splines the starter more gear slides on. By possibly cleaning/lubing this the gear is retracted quicker the the overrun clutch has less usage.

But the lube will attract dust/dirt and this will turn in an abrasive paste which just wears the components out.

[jsl20]

Maybe I'll just keep an eye/ear on it for now then and keep the Porsche repair fund well stocked for when it needs replacing.

[Rockster]

jsl20 said:

Maybe I'll just keep an eye/ear on it for now then and keep the Porsche repair fund well stocked for when it needs replacing.

That's what I'm doing. As I touched upon the noise was present and enough that I touched base with the tech about it.

But the noise has gone away -- maybe related to warmer weather? -- and as long as it stays away and the starter works without any drama I'm just well, like you going to keep an eye/ear on it. My Porsche repair fund is well stocked so that's not a problem. (Surprisingly, at least to me, the Boxster (now with 301K miles) makes fewer and smaller demands on this fund than does my 996 Turbo with only 145K miles.)