Astra Starter motor

IIRC You will find it very difficult to tap, it is out of sight down the back of the engine. Get it reconditioned and stop worrying about it BEFORE it lets you down somewhere really annoying or dangerous.

Its been with a local garge and they have found no fault as it starts every time they try so i thought as a failsafe learn where to tap. I hate things that are vague such as this .Is it ot isnt it faulty.. Sue

Capt T ("Capt T" ) gurgled happily, sounding much like they were saying:

Obviously, it is.

The solenoid is intermittently sticking. Percussive maintenance is merely a short term bodge-around.

If it starts when tapped it's faulty. You really don't want to find out when you stall in the outside lane in traffic. (BTDT, got rescued by an FSO driver within 30seconds)

you sure its the starter ? it could be the ignition switch, early astras suffer from burnt contacts on the switch at the back of the ignition barrel.