997 starting issue

[Smartbazza]

Bought the other half a 997.1 targa 4S which I really love. Have had it loose all power on hot starting twice needing recovered to my local indie. We've given it a full service including replacing the troublesome rear battery lead and refurbd the starter. Yesterday I stopped at to get petrol and it turned very very slowly and would not start but did with a push. The couple of times she wouldn't start it was like a total power loss this time it still had some power.

What can I do next as I love the car but need to be sure it will start?

[Magic919]

Maybe you need a better battery?

[Pugley]

Magic919 said:

Maybe you need a better battery?

+1

If the starter is properly refurbed its an odds on favourite that the battery cant deliver enough starting current - very very common.

Jump start from another car to prove the point.

[Smartbazza]

Thanks for the replies guys. It has no problem cold starting only when hot - would the battery power being low do this?

[Trev450]

I'm sure I read about hot-only starting problems somewhere.

Drop Pope (a member on here) a pm as he's a Porsche technician.

[fubar69]

It's possible the battery lead from the side of the gearbox to the battery has too much resistance. Also the pin on the current distributor can corrode. Get a voltage drop test done as there should be no more than 0.2v per line.

[cd1957]

Hi I have changed 5 battery positive leads this year for same issue, either clean distribution box pin or replace at same time as lead.

Chris

[Fish]

Positive lead known to be too thin, check earth straps and pretty much as everyone has said. Make sure battery top notch maybe get a Bosch S5 Silver etc...

[Smartbazza]

Chris,

Which parts have you replaced?

Thanks Barry

[m18oos]

I have this hot start / slow cranking issue. Battery is 2 months old. Alternator 2 years old and had a new battery then also, the problem went for a while. It's only an issue sometimes and then only if you try to start the car soon after turning it off. It always starts but when the problem arises cranks painfully slow.

I had the car in for diagnosis today with my local indy, they say it is either the charging harness which is the wire discussed above i think? Or it could be the power distribution unit but they cant say which without doing the work.

Can anyone tell me what a reasonable price is for replacing the wire / harness?

Thanks

[berty37]

I think the alternator cable or earth strap on the early 997's seem to be the issue as they were basically made out of chocolate so Porsche then made the cable a lot thicker. It tends to pick up crud and then its voltage dips and causes intermittent starting issues more so when hot. A mate of mine has it too and has been quoted around £300 for the work to be done at an Indy think the cable itself is only £40 or so but its a pain to get to.