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[bigdods]

My list of troubles just never seem to end, as soon as I fix one something else comes along.

When shes cold she sometimes wont turn over. Just a loud click (the solenoid I presume) from the starter but doesnt turn. Give it 3 or 4 goes and it will eventually turn and spin at normal speed. When warm I dont get this problem.

Now from previous experience this means that either the solenoid is on its way out, the battery is low or tired , or I have a bad earth somewhere.

I think the battery is ok as once the solenoid engages the engine spins fine. So can someone point me to where the earth points are so I can give them a good clean. then I guess I need to think about a new starter  if that doesnt work

[unlucky alf]

it sounds like the solenoid is o,k as its energising, if as you say once it turns over its healthy, sounds more like the dog [little gear] isnt getting thrown out to do its thing, i would say you have 2 options, either strip it down & give everything a good clean with lubricated switch cleaner & put a dab of silicon grease on the end of the shafts, or of course replace it if you dont want the hassle of stripping it down, as there is no guarantee itll work after that as the commutator may be u/s,,,best of luck anyway

[bigdods]

SO whats the damage for a new starter ? I've heard £300   from the stealers and I bet its not on TC....

[Cumbria]

Ive seen some cheap ones on ebay cant remember price though. Or send mutantcav a pm.He is always breaking migs if you dont mind used.

[bigdods]

Just picked up a brand new one for £22 inc shipping from ebay, lets hope its the genuine article....

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&item=140266911228

[bigdods]

Update: New starter has arrived and I wasnt disappointed, its a genuine Bosch item , looks brand new  

But since It arrived earlier this week the existing starter is now behaving perfectly. Typical. I am now wondering could something have been dislodged when changing the cam cover gaskets thats now worked its way back to where it should be and the problem has vanished. I dont see how this could be possible but who knows.

My other thought is that the starter was being affected by the hot running I had when the cooling fan fuse blew. That went on for a few days and it was during that period that the starter was playing up. maybe it didnt like getting a bit warm. But then it was playing up when cold as well.

I guess I will hang on to this starter for a few months, if the problem doesnt come back I'll flog it on  

[unlucky alf]

i had the same problem with my other halfs old astra, when the engine was cold it would mostly turn over, but when it got hot it would just click, a thump with something heavy while the key was turned & it would eventualy go, i stripped it & cleaned it but still the same, so if i were you i would change it as itll go when you least want it to [the law of mr sod!]