Starter tip

[1080Z]

Just wanted to share my experience replacing my starter yesterday in my 2001 Porsche Boxster base with novices like me. One poster who commented about this job on 101 Projects for Your Porsche Boxster online said that it was impossible to remove the lower bolt where the ground strap is attatched without using a long extended rachet through the panel behind the seats.

Well, after removing the throttle body & connected T and gently moving the oil filler half section that runs out of the trunk toward the passenger side rear tire I was able to break loose the bolt using a 15 mm straight racheting Goodwrench. I am no mechanic, but am slowly learning to do a few simple jobs from this forum and the Pelican book. The starter replacement took me an hour and a half in total being very methodical. It was a triumph for me considering some people's experiences.

Working on my car is a labor of love even though I get frustrated with my limited expertise due to the attention my Boxster needs and certainly deserves. As soon as I get a Power Bleeder I'll flush the brakes and then replace the heater core because I smell coolant through the cabin vents with AC or Heat on.

I've had many treats in life. but looking back at my 61 years most are not as gratifying as my 13 month old relationship with my 81K mile Boxster. Happy trails.

[Timco]

I actually enjoyed doing my wheelbearings. Made a special custom puller setup and everything. I have a full welding / woodworking shop and now am shopping lifts.

[southernstar]

1080Z that's great to hear! You are right - many routine repairs/maintenance items are definitely DIY, even by complete amateurs such as myself, if you plan a job out and refuse to be intimidated. They add to your understanding of the car and, as you say, can prove very gratifying.

[Perfectlap]

You get post of the month. In only your third post you are actually offering a tip and not asking " uhh...what kind of oil does my Boxster use"? Please invite your other Boxster friends to join.

[1080Z]

Thanks for the kind comments, guys. Seems like I learn something new about this car everyday. Never bored now.

[Daniel R]

+1

Welcome to the forum 1080Z. It is always a pleasure to find true enthusiasts on this site.

Originally Posted by Perfectlap

You get post of the month. In only your third post you are actually offering a tip and not asking " uhh...what kind of oil does my Boxster use"? Please invite your other Boxster friends to join.

[hancock1701]

..........

[schoir]

Originally Posted by 1080Z

.....
As soon as I get a Power Bleeder I'll flush the brakes and then replace the heater core because I smell coolant through the cabin vents with AC or Heat on.

I've had many treats in life. but looking back at my 61 years most are not as gratifying as my 13 month old relationship with my 81K mile Boxster. Happy trails.

When you tackle the heater core replacement, you'll find another treat: the Boxster is one of the very few cars where the heater core can be reached without having to get upside down under the dashboard. The job can all be done from outside the car, with the heater core located at the very rear of the front trunk compartment, just below the base of the windshield.

If you need photos, let me know and I'll post them.

Regards, Maurice.

[rp17]

Good job 1080Z. Nothing feels better than taken the car for a lap after working on it yourself. I'm sure you know the feeling.