re: Dead Starter - '95 90CS

[William Elliott <William.Elliott@mail.mei.com>]

In message <353E529D.5800@erols.com> Mark Byrum writes:
> ...   Told nothing was done to starter.  Next day car started but
> sounded "different".  At lunch today, nothing; no clicking, no spinning,
> no nothing when attempting to start car.  Accessories work therefore it
> is not the battery.  What do I look for when I look under car to
> investigate "foul play."  Want to give benefit of the doubt, but the
> doubt is getting pretty big.  Some coincidence.

Phil writes: 
<<a) ALWAYS REMEMBER - the battery feed to the starter is real he-man
   cable and unfused.  If you need to disconnect it, ALWAYS take the
   lead off the battery first.  MAJOR fire hazard.>>

Yes! If you recall, I had an unfortunate incident with my UrQ which 
thankfully was caught early.  Ended up badly damaging said cable
AND destroying an irreplaceable (at least in the US!) oil cooler line!

<<b) Check the short braided lead from the starter solenoid to the
   motor field windings.  It's naked copper, and exposed to the
   elements.  It very often breaks when the motor is disturbed after
   a long snooze down there.>>

Two weeks after getting the car back on the road from the small fire, 
I had exactly the same symptoms as you describe.  Happened AT the
local Audi dealer... must have seen me looking at the Boxster inside....
Once again, Phil's correct; I was fearing the worst and preparing to R&R 
the starter when I noticed some corrosion on the soleniod lead.  Tests 
with a multimeter confirmed no voltage reaching the starter motor.
5 minutes with a wire brush and some sandpaper and everything's as good as new!

That's two for two this week Phil!  

Bill Elliott
Lake Mills, WI