2007 puma slow to crank

Hello all, I'm new to the tdci defender but have had tdi and td5 before. I've had the puma (2007) for 3 weeks and have noticed it is slow to crank. I've installed new battery and it is made no difference. It is very slow when cold, sometimes almost stopping but better when warmed. Perhaps starter motor? Before I spoil my wife's plans for Saturday and remove the starter, does anyone have any guidance if they've experienced similar issues.
Cheers,

Bad earth, probably needs an earth lead direct to starter from battery

freelance said:

Bad earth, probably needs an earth lead direct to starter from battery

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Really appreciate your quick reply freelance. Would a good clean up of the connections and application of vas be of any use?

samjam said:

Really appreciate your quick reply freelance. Would a good clean up of the connections and application of vas be of any use?

Click to expand...

To prove the problem with earthing, if you have jumper leads simply fasten one end of jumper to the engine block or if possible the starter motor frame and the other end of jumper direct to the negative terminal battery, if no discernable difference in cranking speed check positive side, if then no good, after that remove the starter motor and spoil the wife's weekend plans.

Gazbo said:

To prove the problem with earthing, if you have jumper leads simply fasten one end of jumper to the engine block or if possible the starter motor frame and the other end of jumper direct to the negative terminal battery, if no discernable difference in cranking speed check positive side, if then no good, after that remove the starter motor and spoil the wife's weekend plans.

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Spot on Gazbo, I'll try this in the morning. I've got some jump leads in the shed. In a way I hope the starter needs replacing as my wife's weekend plans often involve spending money!
Cheers, I'll keep you posted on the outcome.

samjam said:

Spot on Gazbo, I'll try this in the morning. I've got some jump leads in the shed. In a way I hope the starter needs replacing as my wife's weekend plans often involve spending money!
Cheers, I'll keep you posted on the outcome.

Click to expand...

samjam said:

Really appreciate your quick reply freelance. Would a good clean up of the connections and application of vas be of any use?

Click to expand...

samjam said:

Really appreciate your quick reply freelance. Would a good clean up of the connections and application of vas be of any use?

Click to expand...

samjam said:

Spot on Gazbo, I'll try this in the morning. I've got some jump leads in the shed. In a way I hope the starter needs replacing as my wife's weekend plans often involve spending money!
Cheers, I'll keep you posted on the outcome.

Click to expand...

Folks, thanks for the advice. Bad earth. Took off all connections to starter and earth connection from the battery to the chassis, cleaned them up, reattached and now starter turns quicker than an ice skater on red bull!