Starter Problems?

[Peter Schulz]

At 04:47 PM 12/11/2005, Derek Pulvino wrote:
>Now that I have some light, I'll be checking those things today.  Reading 
>at Blau, I also saw that there's a large gauge jumper wire that runs from 
>the solenoid to the starter motor that can also be suspect.
>
>I'll post back with my findings.
>
>Derek P
>
>>I'd start by checking out the wiring at the starter itself.  There's the
>>big wire that carries power to operate the starter and there's the little
>>wire that comes from the switch to tell the starter to start operating.
>>The former can have corroded contacts and the latter can deteriorate
>>internally because Audi seems to use starter wires whose insulation isn't
>>very good considering the environment it works in.


Derek:
Large gauge wire from Solenoid to starter is what carries the power to the 
motor brushes.

For some unknown reason Bosch saw fit to NOT insulate the wire, even though 
it carries ALOT of current.

It is also the major weak spot on the starter.

Use an ohmeter and check for any resistance between the post on the 
solenoid where it attaches ( 10 or 13MM nut) and what appears to be the 
starter body ( is actually insulated area for the motor brushes) .

If you are lucky it might just be some corrosion on the post on the starter 
side.

If not you will either have to replace the lead (with one from another 
starter), have the starter rebuilt locally, or a replacement starter.

HTH

-Peter

1991 200 20v Q Avant Titan Grey
1991 200 20v Q Avant Indigo Mica
1991 90 20v Q Red
1990 CQ silver (awaiting S2 engine transplant)

1990 CQ red ( to part or not)
Chelmsford Ma, USA