Starter on 5000S?

[Robert M]

     If it was me, I would:

1.  Verify that it's really not a battery issue by making sure the problem 
was currently manifest and then trying again with a jump-start setup in 
place.  Putting a meter at the starter would also be helpful- could be old 
wiring messing with you (look for massive voltage drop).

2.  Assuming it's not a power issue your 'bendix' is flaking out.  This is 
the assy in the starter that allows the starter gear to engage the ring gear 
while the starter is cranking and then disengage once started.  I'm a cheap 
bastard, so I'd probably take the damn thing out and see if I could lube it 
to regain function.  I don't own a 5k though, so if it's *really* a biatch 
to get the starter out *and* you plan on keeping the car mebbe just getting 
a new/reman unit makes more sense.  Your call.

$0.01,
Robert

>From: Thom Jones <guydonges at gmail.com>
>Reply-To: Thom Jones <guydonges at gmail.com>
>To: quattro at audifans.com
>Subject: Starter on 5000S?
>Date: Fri, 15 Jul 2005 08:12:29 -0500
>
>Before I go through the herculean task of replacing the starter in my
>'88 5000S, I thought I'd ask and see if the symptom really fit my
>proposed 'cure'.
>The car almost always starts fine when cold (and when I have enough
>cca in the battery).  But let it warm up a bit whether from the engine
>running or from the 90 degree temps outside and the starter motor just
>spins without turning over the engine.  Sometimes the starter will
>catch for a second or two but then disengages and just spins again.
>Sure sounds like the starter to me, but before I spend the $200 and
>the hours of work, I thought I'd ask for a concurring opinion.
>Thanks for any insight!
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