Solenoid (I think)

is it an inertia motor? if so, the spring on the gear could be broke but more likely the gear/shaft is just dirty and it wont slide up the shaft to engage when spinning. remove starter and clean. it shouldnt really be lubricated but ive found a bit of wd40 helps. if its a pre-engaged motor, from what i can remember the solenoid engages first then once the gear is engaged with the starter ring then the starter motor turns. sounds like its an inertia one? Richard

If that is the same starter as on my 2.5 diesel (sherpa variety), which it probably is, then the solenoid is replacable as a seperate item, and on mine is a standard solenoid (same as the one on a LR 2.25 diesel). I'd go to your favourite local car parts dealer, or diesel specialist and ask there. I can't imagine that a solenoid would cost much more than 10 or 15 quid

You could also try some of the LR places like paddocks or craddocks (see this thread for lots of alternatives

Who maintans the afl FAQ?, could we add a list of LR parts stockists to it somewhere?

On the 2.25, at least, the petrol and diesel starters are totally different. The diesel starter has the solenoid mounted on the starter, both closing the circuit and engaging the drive-gear. The petrol engine has the solenoid, just a relay, mounted on the bulkhead, not quite directly behind the engine.

And now I'm wondering if there ever was a 2.5 petrol engine...

Anyway, the solenoid and starter are pretty standard items, and the general design is used on a lot of stuff, so replacement and service- exchange units are widely available. It's possible to remove the solenoid without taking the starter out of a vehicle, but it depends a great deal on how good the access is. There are two long bolts which hold the solenoid, the various electrical connections, and an eye on the solenoid shaft which has to be worked on and off the operating arm.

It's more effort to take the starter out, but the solenoid is a decent hand-hold, and on the bench you can see better what you're doing. Also, you can inspect and clean the drive mechanism, and make sure everything is working.

I was assuming that he meant he had a 2.5 diesel, though he doesnt actually specify in the original post. I'm pretty sure there was a 2.5 petrol too. My mate has a fancy automotive block which is supposed to be based on a 2.5 and that has a starter like the diesel with the solenoid mounted on it.

If youre unsure if its the starter or the solenoid playing up, then taking both out together would be fairly sensible so then you can test it on the bench and see whats wrong.

Another thing to check while its out is the link between the solenoid and the starter - The main high ampage feed. Mine used to keep cracking and that would cause intermittent starting problems. Sometimes it would turn over fine, but sometimes it would have trouble or even not go atall.

Button bashing in practice for another round of Daley Thompson's Decathlon, Dennis left Shakespeare to the monkeys by typing...

Pull the starter and grease the bendix. If you hear a whirring, the starter's spinning.

On or around Sat, 15 May 2004 04:30:12 +0100, weallhatebillgates enlightened us thusly:

but remember that lucas used to say that you shouldn't grease it... use thin grease or oil. if the grease is too sticky, it can have the opposite effect to the desired one.

Hello all, thank you for you kind advice. Sorry I forgot to mention that the landrover is a diesel model. Checked all the electrical connections which were solid and in very good condition prior to removing the starter (date stamp stated 1988) and stripped it down, it was very dirty inside but I'd imagine that they would be. The solenoid side of it was a little dirty and dry with the spring intact. My only concern was the main drive gear on the shaft end, it was showing signs of wear on the teeth end, I suppose if the dated stamp on the unit is correct it would be expected. I was thinking that maybe these teeth are meant to be chamfered to enable the engagement of the main ring gear ? The main ring gear on the Landrover is in very good condition with no signs of wear. I've greased parts of the unit and sprayed a little WD40 on the shaft mechanism but I didn't get time to replace it last night as I could hear the ole Guinness calling me from down the local. For your information the cheapest quote I was given for a replacement was £113 + Vat Thanks again for all the advice guys, I'll let you know how I get on this morning.

There is an auto-electricians near me (Heywood Lancs) who does alternator and starter motor repairs - and he is a Landy fan. I rebuilt my starter with his parts and my labour for 20 quid - dying solenoid.

Steve

After reinstating the starter after the lubrication and clean it worked, for

2 days and has now gone back to its old sorry state. I've ordered a new solenoid from paddocks hoping this will cure it for the princely sum of £27.00. Once again to all concerned, thankyou very much for your help and advice. Regards Dennis