996 GT3 starter motor replacement a DiY job?

Pip1968 · 24 Feb 2019

Pretty much as per the post title. I have had a look online which shows a 996 starter motor being replaced but having had a look see I cannot even see where it is. Apparently it is hidden behind the throttle body (on the straight 996). Do I need to remove the alternator too or is the GT3 an engine out job to replace the starter motor??

Any tip top tips or advice most appreciated.

Pip

* spell checker overridden to change title to DiY.

Alex · 24 Feb 2019

Is the title 'day job' or meant to be diy job?

It's doable with the alternator in place on the standard car. I did a write-up here: http://911uk.com/viewtopic.php?t=101392

NXI20 · 24 Feb 2019

The starter on the GT3 isn't in the same place as on the M96 which is probably why you can't see it!

You need to get the rear of the car as high off the ground as possible and then you can access the starter by working underneath; remove the undertray & you'll see it's high up on the right-hand side of the car on the back of the bellhousing. It is awkward to get to without using a ramp but it can be done.

Pip1968 · 24 Feb 2019

Thanks Nick. To be honest with you I was really surprised there were no write ups anywhere online for a 996 GT3 starter motor replacement.

I might have to try and cobble something together.

Pip

Ps thank you to Alex too :wink:

NXI20 · 24 Feb 2019

Forgot to ask why you're replacing it. Mine was replaced at about 125K miles when it came out still working but looking like a ball of rust. I subsequently had a complete failure to turn over a year later which wasn't the motor at all but turned out to be the main cable between the battery & the starter having corroded away internally; looked fine but zero current got through.

Diggermeister · 25 Feb 2019

NXI20 said:
I subsequently had a complete failure to turn over a year later which wasn't the motor at all but turned out to be the main cable between the battery & the starter having corroded away internally; looked fine but zero current got through.

I had exactly the same thing on my less than 30k miles 997 GT3. JZM kindly replaced the item under their warranty. These do seem to be prone to failure and do exhibit a very similar symptom to other electrical issues, such as duff battery, starter or alternator.

IIRC, my windows went a bit haywire when locking the car, which was the first outward sign. Then, when I got back in it wouldn't start.

kingston · 25 Feb 2019

Mines sometimes won't fire and takes a couple of attempts of turning the key for it to come into life.

Is that a sign of the cable dying? How much is said cable and is it easy to replace?

NXI20 · 25 Feb 2019

I had no symptoms at all; it just failed to start one day. The cable isn't all that expensive but it can be a couple of hours to fit it.

Your symptoms sound more like the dreaded internal breakup of the ignition switch which can manifest itself in several ways.

ontheloop · 25 Feb 2019

I replaced mine at home a couple of years ago, its a pretty easy job. Once you can see where it is and where the terminals and bolts are ...... piece of cake.

You should also replace the bush at the front of the shaft.

I probably have some photos if you are struggling.

Pip1968 · 25 Feb 2019

NXI20 said:
Forgot to ask why you're replacing it. Mine was replaced at about 125K miles when it came out still working but looking like a ball of rust. I subsequently had a complete failure to turn over a year later which wasn't the motor at all but turned out to be the main cable between the battery & the starter having corroded away internally; looked fine but zero current got through.

To be fair Nick, I think I did ask about refurbishment but nobody seems to have said anything. Since then I have found a company near me that does refurbishments and of course I will look at the earthing cable which seems to crop up as a problem associated with starter motor problems.

At least all options are covered.

Ontheloop, is this a part one can buy separately from Porsche. I don't suppose you have the part number??

Pip

mikem7709 · 2 Mar 2019

I had mine refurbed for £50 by a local specialist. Easy enough to DIY but like most jobs would take half the time second time around.

kingston · 23 Apr 2019

kingston said:
Mines sometimes won't fire and takes a couple of attempts of turning the key for it to come into life.

Is that a sign of the cable dying? How much is said cable and is it easy to replace?

Looks like mine was due to the Earth Strap being dirty/not attached correctly.

Jizm changed the rear top rubber mounts and im guessing the strap wasnt secured down correctly.

So have had this cleaned up/reattached and it seems to be firing all the time now.

AlpineGT3 · 7 Apr 2021

Hi all,

Just reading this thread with interest, I'm just about to change the starter on my car. Did anyone change the bush and if so what was your chosen method?

Out of interest, how many years service are you getting from a Bosch starter motor?

Thanks in advance!

Pip1968 · 9 Apr 2021

I didn't change mine in the end. A new battery seemed to sort the issue. My perhaps incorrect assessment was based on an over optimistic expectation of battery life on my Bosche S5 that was always connected to a maintenance charger.

Are you local?

Pip

AlpineGT3 · 15 Apr 2021

Hi Pip,

I pulled the pin and changed mine at the weekend, I put another Bosch one in. Starting is definitely better, the bush on the end of the starter was pretty rooted. I gave the housing a good clean out.

I also did a visual inspection of the ring gear, worth doing whilst you are in there.

All these starters are refurbished, the paint wasn't that plentiful so I gave it a couple of extra coats of heat resistant calliper paint.

I'm not local, I'm in the French alps.

Mark

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