Hi folks, Anyone with the dreaded "starter click only" problem, take note !!
My Disco 2 TD5 2001, starter was playing up a few weeks ago. Got basic solenoid repair kit from www.reparkitsuk.com , (excellent service BTW) for £8. Got starter off, a real PITA, took me 2 hours. Anyway on inspecting contacts, found them badly worn, so fitted both new copper contacts as supplied. Piece of cake ! Examined the "Plunger disc contact". Thought it looked ok after bit of clean up, so with a slight amount of grease, refitted it to solenoid. BIG MISTAKE !!!!
Refitting Starter was easier than removing, took 1 hour, no problem for my small nimble hands/fingers !
All ok for about a week then disaster. On pulling up in my driveway and switching off engine, the engine continued to turn on the starter !! Within seconds, thick smoke was pouring from engine bay. Tried several cycles of ignition, but starter continued to turn. Up with the bonnet and disconnected battery. By this time the engine had stopped turning and the smoke had lessened, but very strong burning smell.
Underneath vehicle again, and confirmed that the solenoid "plunger contact" had stuck/welded itself on the fixed, new, contacts!! Off the vehicle checking, the starter was well and truly burnt out.
So the hard earned lesson is, for an extra few quid, when replacing the solenoid contacts, always replace the plunger with a nice new one.
Cost of full kit from www.repairkitsuk.com including plunger is £12.30 incl uk postage. A real bargain and fast service. BTW I have no connection with the company other than being a very satisfied customer.
I am now waiting for a new starter to be delivered !!!!!
Cheers folks.
Dave, Edinburgh
My Disco 2 TD5 2001, starter was playing up a few weeks ago. Got basic solenoid repair kit from www.reparkitsuk.com , (excellent service BTW) for £8. Got starter off, a real PITA, took me 2 hours. Anyway on inspecting contacts, found them badly worn, so fitted both new copper contacts as supplied. Piece of cake ! Examined the "Plunger disc contact". Thought it looked ok after bit of clean up, so with a slight amount of grease, refitted it to solenoid. BIG MISTAKE !!!!
Refitting Starter was easier than removing, took 1 hour, no problem for my small nimble hands/fingers !
All ok for about a week then disaster. On pulling up in my driveway and switching off engine, the engine continued to turn on the starter !! Within seconds, thick smoke was pouring from engine bay. Tried several cycles of ignition, but starter continued to turn. Up with the bonnet and disconnected battery. By this time the engine had stopped turning and the smoke had lessened, but very strong burning smell.
Underneath vehicle again, and confirmed that the solenoid "plunger contact" had stuck/welded itself on the fixed, new, contacts!! Off the vehicle checking, the starter was well and truly burnt out.
So the hard earned lesson is, for an extra few quid, when replacing the solenoid contacts, always replace the plunger with a nice new one.
Cost of full kit from www.repairkitsuk.com including plunger is £12.30 incl uk postage. A real bargain and fast service. BTW I have no connection with the company other than being a very satisfied customer.
I am now waiting for a new starter to be delivered !!!!!
Cheers folks.
Dave, Edinburgh
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