200tdi faulty starter motor

I think I know what the problem is here but I wanted clarification before I start buying parts. I've got a Disco 200tdi in my 90 and for a while now the starter motor has been playing up. It's not got a lot worse to the point that it takes me three or four goes before it finally starts. All I'm getting when I try to start is a loud whirring/grinding noise and occasional the sounds of it trying to catch. Would I be right in thinking that the solenoid is a bit iffy and it would just be a case of replacing the plunger? I've seen that you can buy a parts kit for it and if it saves me replacing the whole thing then all the better

When it does catch does it turn engine over ok. if so it sounds just as youve said.

Yup starts perfectly fine when it catches. Is the plunger an integral part of the solenoid itself? As I can buy a whole new solenoid which might be more worthwhile

Youve got me there but if its notchy going in the it may just need a good clean. If its spinning well but not engaging with the ring gear, it may be sticking. Can be a bitch to get to the last bolt as it was in mine when removing so it might be worth overhauling it once its out.

It definitely spins well and as I said once it catches its fine. You might be right reference a good clean. Do you happen to have any advice on cleaning it as starter motors is not something I've dealt with yet

Have you looked at the starter? A mate had a similar sounding problem, it turned out to be the starter motor coming apart. The 2 long bolts had come loose. If he had looked at it earlier it could have just been tightened up, as it was it needed a new starter.
Hope this helps.

Hm. I'm hoping this wouldn't be the problem but ill have a look at that at lunchtime. Cheers mate

Just a good de grease to get rid of any crud thats sticking to pinion, spring and teeth then a few drops of oil on moving bits should do it. The problem with bench testing it is it will look like the bendix is working fine, then when you get it back in under load, you get the same problems.After hours fecking about removing exhaust downpipe and struggling with the starter bolts i cleaned it up put it back and had same problem. turned out to be battery Im sure some one will come on with better advice, always a few stick there head in at lunch time.

same with mine on sunday, the cog on the front of the starter wouldnt engage the flywheel, just whirring, so got a new starter for £75, as its a job I dont want to repeat often

Mine only does it on occasion though it did it quite a few times this morning. Bloody thing. I have read that its a bastard of a job to get it out and in, need to see if its worthwhile doing that just to clean it only for it to need taken back out again

once they start playing up its only a matter of time before they pack in altogether

I too read it was a barstuard of a job, but mine cleared the manifold just, (200tdi) so persevere with removal BEFORE taking manifold off!

It's the same starter in the 2.5 NA - dead easy to get it out there because the turbo etc is not in the way, so it just drops out.

I had a stickly solenoid on my 2.5NA which instead of switching the starter would cause a dead short and drain the battery. Sometimes the windings deterorate as well. Replacing the solenoid sorted it. I also cleaned the inside of the starter while it was out, but I would not put any oil or grease on it as it will attract dirt.

As it will be such a job to get out and back in, peronally I would go down the route of getting a good quality reconditioned starter or even new one and swap it out. You could then recondtion your old one and sell or keep it as a spare.

Once you have the starter out have a feel of the ring gear just to make sure the teeth are okay.

Had a quick feel of the nuts holding it together and they don't seem loose at all. One thing I did notice was that the spade connector was quite loose. It's on but its not particularly tight, surely this wouldn't be causing my problems? As in starting the car is vibrating the spade connector sufficiently for it to lose contact at times? Another thing I've noticed recently is that when its trying to start and not catching the battery light is a bit dim. Any problems with the starter motor or battery connection that would link these together?

Sorry if that sounds nonsensical, I'm just up lol

Right its finally died so I've ordered a new starter at the princely sum of 135 quid. Just what I needed but nevermind. Chap on the phone said it won't be britpart so here's hoping it won't arrive in a blue bag

the_wolf said:

Right its finally died so I've ordered a new starter at the princely sum of 135 quid. Just what I needed but nevermind. Chap on the phone said it won't be britpart so here's hoping it won't arrive in a blue bag

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I paid £75 for mine last week and deco not britpart

I just bought mine from Rimmer bros, one of few websites I can get on on work computers. Where did you get yours?

johnlad said:

I paid £75 for mine last week and deco not britpart

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Where from? Mines starting to play up as well.

from here
LANDROVER DEFENDER 2.5 TD BRAND NEW STARTER MOTOR FROM 90-98 MIN | eBay