Sounds like a starter motor problem?

Hi folks, i have just dragged my 200tdi defender out of its barn kicking and screaming. It started first time and i drove it the 180miles to my new home without it missing a beat. When i came to start it this morning it started first time but had a slight clattering which stopped after a second or two. Sounds to me like the starter motor is not retracting fully, does this sound right? Can i just change/fix the solenoid? It is a discovery 200tdi engine which has been put into my defender if that makes a difference. Cheers.

The starter cog slides out to engage the flywheel when it is turned over, there could be some corrosion on the spindle it slides along which is stopping it from sliding back in when you stop turning the starter. Take it out and have a look it may need a rub with a very mild abrasive like fine emery paper.

Sounds like thats along the lines that i was thinking, its a bit of a b**ch to get at so job for the weekend i guess.

chezvegas said:

The starter cog slides out to engage the flywheel when it is turned over, there could be some corrosion on the spindle it slides along which is stopping it from sliding back in when you stop turning the starter. Take it out and have a look it may need a rub with a very mild abrasive like fine emery paper.

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Blimey. Old school wisdom makes a come back. I remember having to do that to my old Cortina starter on a regular basis. Fine emery and some WD40. Make sure all is dried off before putting back. Do not lubricate the starter pinion or the shaft it slides on otherwise it will collect the dust from the clutch and get sticky all over again.