997 Lazy Starter Motor

[sebhaque]

Hi all,

Recently my 997.1 Carrera S has been a bit unhappy to start up, especially when the engine's warm. If I start it up first thing in the morning or after work etc, where the car's been left alone for a couple of hours, there's no issue with starting. However, if I'm running errands and visiting several shops, the car can be quite unhappy to start up if it's left alone for a short amount of time, even coughing and spluttering once.

I've taken a video of what I mean - in the clip, I'd just come back from somewhere, with the engine nice and warm, having been driven for about half an hour. I'd just parked up and turned the engine off, and then restarted the car and filmed it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BICP1fKwBU0

Any thoughts? It never -fails- to start, although can sometimes make a fuss about doing so. Is this just another "they all do that sir" or something that needs looking at? The car's under warranty so I'll take it in if it needs a once-over.

(note for anybody on mobile - warning messages/lights on the dash are just telling me I'm not wearing a seatbelt, didn't see the point in strapping in to take a video of a car starting)

[RacingJames1]

Not a 997, but my 987.1 also does this. Again, never fails to start.

[sebhaque]

Thanks for the response - fair enough. I went out and took another video of the car earlier - it hasn't moved since I took that video yesterday so this is a cold start directly after the spluttery one:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ud3mNAzd-QY

Looks normal now. Funny ol' car.

[Jmracing66]

I had this exact problem with my 996 gt3. A garage changed my starter motor and the difference is quite amazing. The engine now turns over much faster when starting and never has a problem either hot or cold.

[sebhaque]

Might mention it to them in that case - it's not causing any bother at the moment, but at least if I've let them know and it does expire at some point, they've got history of it not playing ball.

Thanks Racing James's. ()

[fubar69]

Before you spend your money on a new starter motorit is worth checking the voltage drop between the battery and the alternator. It is possible that the loom at the starter has an increase in resistance when hot, therefore causing the slow start. If this is the case it may require a new starter loom. Hope this helps

[V8KSN]

I had exactly the same issue, it was the starter/alternator cable.

Apparently it's a known problem where the cable melts due to the heat of the engine IIRC

[NorthDave]

I had this when I bought mine (second hand) turned out the battery was knackered. I believe there is a lot more energy required to turn the engine when everything is hot (I guess things are tighter) than when it is cold. Min culminated in me stalling and not being able to start it again - cue being pushed down the road by a couple of guys who were very happy to take the piss!

A jump start and new battery at the dealers and it has never done it again.