Starter Issue

[SteezTight]

Several weeks ago I did several water crossings in my truck. Since then on the occasion when I go to start it up and all you hear is a single click. Recently it has been getting worse. I first checked the ground wire on the back of the starter and it was on tight. I also tightened the wires on the front of the solenoid. I dont know what I should check next, after everything I did when I went to start it up it did the same thing.

 

[joey]

Does it ever start, or just click? Have you checked the Battery? and the Battery cables?

 

[Disco Mike]

Go get your battery/alternator tested at your local auto parts store, got to have between 13.6 and 14.4 volts while at 2000 RPM's.

 

[SteezTight]

yes, it does start sometimes you just have to jiggle the key around a little. When it starts it turns right over which is why I thought it was the ground. I hvae also checked the battery and cables, they are both fine. I guess my next step will be getting the volts checked if she wants to start today. Thanks for your help anything else would be appreciated.

 

[SteezTight]

so I made it to the auto parts store and I have sufficient voltage coming from the alternator. Is there anything else that could be causing this problem? Today is the first day I got it to start in the past couple days.

Thanks

 

[shaunyb007]

You need to replace the starter motor, easy job 1 hr on your drive??
I replaced mine last week i was having same thing click click then she would fire up. I could get to it some times it would start first time then the next time it could take upto 30/40 turns of the key.
If you want guidance on replacement i will post a fools guide.

 

[wolf]

Re: ignition tumbler switch

yes, it does start sometimes you just have to jiggle the key around a little. When it starts it turns right over which is why I thought it was the ground. I hvae also checked the battery and cables, they are both fine. I guess my next step will be getting the volts checked if she wants to start today. Thanks for your help anything else would be appreciated.

This does sound like a classic starter issue but, be forewarned, sadly and expensively, the LR Disco Key-tumbler ignition switches are known to go after serious wear and just like other electronics on the steering column - they are not cheap! Let's hope its just the starter (as you can get some good deals on decent rebuilds at Atlantic/Brit or even on ebay, etc.)

Wolf

 

[rovingrom]

Same problem on my Defender

Hi! I run my Defender in Romania frequently on very wet andor dusty tracks. The starter motors only last 9 to 18 months, especially the Marelli Magneti ones! I change them often. Lucky for me I can still get starter motors repaired in Romania for about £40 a time - cheaper than replacements.

Sometimes the problem starts after the following series of events:
1. Dunking in water or long drive in heavy rain, followed by....
2. Getting the engine really hot (heavy load/steep hills), followed by........
3. Switching the engine off too quickly, rather than leaving it to tick over for a minute...

Temporary solutions include the following:
A. Often it will start after trying the key 10 times or more.
B. Holding a long steel bar to the starter motor where it enters the bell housing, and whacking the other end of the bar with a large hammer. If the bendix or solenoid have stuck, this will free them!
C. If I manage to re-start the engine after the starter has stuck, next time before I turn the engine off I "blip" the starter with the engine running. This seems to dislodge any tendency for the starter bendix/solenoid to stick.

Note that temporary solutions A, B & C don't do the starter motor much good, and a starter motor replacement will soon be needed anyway! But they might keep you going for a few more days - even a few weeks!

In Romania I always carry a spare starter motor and water pump in the spares box. Both components fail regularly and I am stuffed with a dead starter or a broken water pump!

Good luck!

Colin

 

[SteezTight]

Thanks for all your help. I ended up taking the starter back to advanced and they gave me a factory replacement free of charge. It started right up with the new one, guess the old one just locked up.