986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners - View Single Post - Starter squeal- how long before I need to replace?

thstone · 02-12-2019, 08:54 PM

Repair as soon as practical.

That means you can still drive it, but order the parts or make the appt to have it repaired. Then repair as soon you have the parts.

If you wait too long, eventually the flywheel teeth will become damaged and shortly after that, the Bendix gear won't be able to drive the flywheel (due to the damaged teeth) and the starter will spin freely without turning over the engine and you'll be stranded.

Most owners replace the entire starter motor. But as NewArt mentions, you can clean the solenoid by removing the starter, disassemble the solenoid, then clean, re-grease, and reinstall.

02-12-2019, 08:54 PM	#5
thstone Certified Boxster Addict Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 7,669	Repair as soon as practical. That means you can still drive it, but order the parts or make the appt to have it repaired. Then repair as soon you have the parts. If you wait too long, eventually the flywheel teeth will become damaged and shortly after that, the Bendix gear won't be able to drive the flywheel (due to the damaged teeth) and the starter will spin freely without turning over the engine and you'll be stranded. Most owners replace the entire starter motor. But as NewArt mentions, you can clean the solenoid by removing the starter, disassemble the solenoid, then clean, re-grease, and reinstall. __________________ 1999 996 C2 - sold - bought back - sold for more 1997 Spec Boxster BSR #254 1979 911 SC POC Licensed DE/TT Instructor Last edited by thstone; 02-12-2019 at 08:57 PM.