2000 Q45, 199,571, starter...?

[paranoidjack]

So as many of you know, I recently put a new engine in my Q. Blew up the old one and was forced into it prematurely. ANYWAY, I had a feeling I should replace my starter since it was original, although it had never given me ANY PROBLEMS whatsoever.

For the last week, sometimes I turn the key and get only "CLICK." If i do it a few times, it sometimes catches, but this has gotten progressively worse. I have to get under the car and hit it with a hammer (which is not easy to do on this car, buried above steering rack), and only then if someone is turning the key at the same time does it work.

Anyway, the last time I did this, last night, I saw a spark when it "worked." I can't help but think that the starter is OK, but the electrical connections to it are bad/loose. I can't imagine a properly functioning starter should spark at all.

Anyone ever experienced anything like this? My theory is that when I am whacking it, I am shifting the connections.

[3Q Jay]

did you get it sorted out? loose connections possible, also could be worn brushes and or solenoid with bad coil.

[paranoidjack]

thanks Jay.

Well, kind of! It is a loose connection, to start the car 20% of the time I have to apply pressure to the rubber boot covering the positive lead on the car. I'm going to bring it to my mechanic tomorrow, only because the lift is paramount in doing this without removing the rack....and I'm all set with that! I changed the engine, saved my labor dollars there...