Anyone know about replacing the starter on a B5 S4?

"VincentMalamute-Kim" (VincentMalamute-Kim)
04/11/2019 at 11:45 • Filed to: None

Photo is 15 years ago when I was driving the car. It’s been sitting since then and the starter motor crapped out about a year and a half ago. Starter motor spins but the solenoid doesn’t engage.

The thought of digging into the cramped engine bay depressed me so much that I just closed the door and left it. I’m now starting to think I should fix it. J ust thought I’d throw it out here first to see if anyone knows how bad a job changing the starter would be on the B5 S4. Before I start doing research on the internet and audi forums,

Here’s a current photo. Blurriness from low light levels and potato. It’s been neglected and sad. Currently o n it’s way to becoming a barn find 30 years from now.

DISCUSSION (25)

PartyPooper2012 > VincentMalamute-Kim
04/11/2019 at 11:56

It takes 1 minute and 55 seconds according to this video on youtube sooo no excuses

VincentMalamute-Kim > PartyPooper2012
04/11/2019 at 12:02

But wait - I have a good excuse! That’s a 2.8! I have turbos, piping, more extra shit with the 2.7 twin turbo!

Lemme watch the video anyway. If it really is easy, you get candy. I was afraid to even check youtube thinking this would be a murderous job.

This is what we'll show whenever you publish anything on Kinja: > VincentMalamute-Kim
04/11/2019 at 12:03

*chain guide tensioner degradation intensifies*

PartyPooper2012 > VincentMalamute-Kim
04/11/2019 at 12:04

lol I think other videos went as long as 15 minutes. In any case, a starter replacement is as easy as changing a CD in a CD changer of a 1934 Ford Coupe.

Roll up your sleeves, tow the damn thing to a qualified mechanic and write a big check. It’s so easy, a caveman can do it

Kinja'd!!!

VincentMalamute-Kim > PartyPooper2012
04/11/2019 at 12:10

I watched the video. I’ll have to take a look. I suspect my down pipes will block the approach from the bottom. But who knows? Thanks for the psychological push.

My cars are allergic to mechanics so I’ll do this myself even if it turns murderous. I’ll forget you by the time I get this done a year or two from now. So remind me to give you candy then.

VincentMalamute-Kim > This is what we'll show whenever you publish anything on Kinja:
04/11/2019 at 12:13

Crap. You’re not helping. I feel like shutting the door on the shed and locking it again.

PartyPooper2012 > VincentMalamute-Kim
04/11/2019 at 12:14

I am allergic to candy. I just want to see operational vehicles all over.

It’s easy to remember me. PartyPooper2012. When you scrape skin off your knuckles, you will call my name. When you bang your finger with a hammer, you will call my name.

However, at the end of the day, you will have a fancy VW that starts.

VincentMalamute-Kim > PartyPooper2012
04/11/2019 at 12:18

“you will have a fancy VW that starts”

Ouch! hahaha !

Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > VincentMalamute-Kim
04/11/2019 at 12:20

It looks like you might as well do a full service since you have to assume the position

Kinja'd!!!

PartyPooper2012 > VincentMalamute-Kim
04/11/2019 at 12:21

I can haz? Is it... manuel?

VincentMalamute-Kim > PartyPooper2012
04/11/2019 at 12:22

Of course it’s manual. Come pick it up anytime.

PartyPooper2012 > VincentMalamute-Kim
04/11/2019 at 12:23

On my way. Where is it?

PartyPooper2012 > This is what we'll show whenever you publish anything on Kinja:
04/11/2019 at 12:30

that ought to be on a t-shirt. I ought to be in said t-shirt.

This is what we'll show whenever you publish anything on Kinja: > VincentMalamute-Kim
04/11/2019 at 12:39

Nah, what’s the worst that can happen?

Oh, right.

W elp, nothing ventured nothing gained I guess.

Ash78, voting early and often > VincentMalamute-Kim
04/11/2019 at 12:40

I drive my B5 every day and it’s still crumbing, cracking, and just falling apart.

I’d consider dropping some money on a mechanic to get stuff up to date if you want to keep it. A lot of engine labor overlaps on these so at least you won’t be paying repeatedly.

VincentMalamute-Kim > Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap
04/11/2019 at 12:45

That looks like my engine. This is exactly what I was in denial about. If I let it marinate for another 15 years, it’ll start again? And I can skip the first 20 year service and just roll it into the 35 year service?

VincentMalamute-Kim > PartyPooper2012
04/11/2019 at 12:45

I shouldn’t have to do all the work for you!

(and see Daily Drives a Dragon’s post)

PartyPooper2012 > VincentMalamute-Kim
04/11/2019 at 12:47

This is true... but you’re not doing any work at all...

“15 years ago when I was driving the car”

“starter motor crapped out about a year and a half ago ”

ateamfan42 > This is what we'll show whenever you publish anything on Kinja:
04/11/2019 at 13:16

*chain guide tensioner degradation intensifies*

Good news, the B5 has a timing belt. A belt specified by the (belt) manufacturer to last 105,000 miles. A belt that routinely breaks in practice around 75,000 miles. On an engine that had a 50,000 mile warranty from Audi. An interference engine with 30 valves ready to bend. Good job there, Germans.

This is what we'll show whenever you publish anything on Kinja: > ateamfan42
04/11/2019 at 13:29

Proper G erman engineering!

ST80MND > VincentMalamute-Kim
04/11/2019 at 13:52

Step 1- Look at estimate for job.

Step 2- After finding out a second mortgage won’t cover it, call cash for cars

Step 3- swear off audi for good.

VincentMalamute-Kim > ST80MND
04/12/2019 at 14:06

Step 3- swear off audi for good.

But it’s pretty! Better looking than most cars nowadays.

VincentMalamute-Kim > ateamfan42
04/12/2019 at 14:09

Good thing my S4 only has 45,000 miles on it! It’s still under Audi’s engine warranty! . . . m aybe.

VincentMalamute-Kim > Ash78, voting early and often
04/12/2019 at 14:10

nah, I have plenty of time and an allergy to mechanics. Just need some motivation.

ST80MND > VincentMalamute-Kim
04/12/2019 at 14:35

Oh, pretty indeed, and I still get that ‘gearhead flutter’ when I see one, but then I remember my Audi ownership experience, and it almost makes me physically sick and for sure boils up the anger pot.