Toatally confused and a hundered quid worse off

Gentlemen I have been struggling with an intermitent starting problem for the last few weeks.Yesterday lobbed out £100 on new nattery -mug that i am -put it in boom she started first time and second but not the third or the fourth etc etc-- it appears to be turning over very slowly when she does question is this a starter problem - put a new engine in last year and all was well - and if so is it a new starter or just the solenoid needs replacing or is it not worth the grief any help much appreciated
Sandyt

its dificult to know exactly whats going on from your description, when it dont start is it tunring over ok but not firing, turning over slowly and not firing, not turning over at all just a loudish clunk or not turning over at all and theres no noise what so ever?

you said not 3rd or 4th, what did it do on the 3rd and 4th times?

Check if it's charging, could be your alternater or a power drain?

Check the earth between the engine and the bodywork, try a jump lead from a good clean point on the engine straight to the negative terminal on the battery.

When it doesnt start it doesnt turn over just clicks all others like lights etc are ok will try the earth thanks will let you know

Also how do I check if it is charging?

stick a multi meter across yer battery and check voltage. then start yer injun, the voltage should then go up to between 13.5 and 15ish volts

Yep, just clicking sounds like a dicky earth. My defender had that problem, turned out to be a slackish fan belt (though not squeeling) and loose battery connections. Cleaned 'em up an she was fine. Then again, me old V8 had a starting problem that was a combination of dicky starter, solenoid and Toad immobiliser...

Gents have checked the earth and thats fine cant check the alternator as cant get it started so am going to charge the new battery over night and see what happens once again thanks its not so painfull when shared ha

Have just changed my starter motor for a similar problem. Found the contacts on the solenoid were shot. Cost me round £40 for a spurious new one. Island 4X4 are doing new starters for the 4.0/4.6 for around £60.
Have had no problems with mine + I have a rebuilt spare.
The starter is a pain to remove, mainly because of the access (Or lack of it) to the top securing allen screw (M8-6mm a/f allen key)

Gentlemen thank you I have ordered a new starter from Island 4x4 -thanks Irishrover saved me some money by the way I will have a Guinness on Monday -will update and keep everyone posted asap

The solenoid is a big switch as well as throwing the pinion gear into mesh with the flywheel. After some use, the contacts get burnt out. Probably pay you to get your old motor refurbished later and keep it as a spare as I have done.

Update and sorry for the delay in letting everyone know put a new starter motor on the sxty quid one from Island - thanks Irishrover - worked for about a week and back to same old problem after a load of faffing about ended up replacing the lead from the battery to the starter and all solved interesting it was only an intermittent fault so cost new lead made up and soldered for 7 quid -Muppet here spent 100 quid -batt and 60 quid starter any she runs thanks again for the help