Help with a problem - could be battery but am not sure!

He didn't charge you for this water did he? Nowt to do wi't'problem.

It sounds like it's either the starter solenoid sticking or a poor connection between starter and battery. Clean the battery terminals, check the connections to the starter are secure (and if you're feeling brave, whip them off and check for any dirt or corrosion (don't forget to disconnect the battery first!!)), check the ground strap from battery to chassis isn't breaking up (and clean terminals again.)

Quick check: On a day when it plays up, stick the headlights on when trying to start. If they dim then there's a duff connection somewhere and not enough juice is getting through to start it. If they stay bright then the solenoid is probably sticking.

it is probably nothing more than a weak battery. drive it to any average garage, accessory shop or most tyre and exhaust centres and ask them to put a tester on it.

MrCheerful

If it's all dead, then comes to life - suspect a fualty connection to the battery +iv, or earth, or the starter solenoid and power connections.

If the lights are dead as well as the starter, then it points to the battery or it's connections.

I once had a problem where the + terminal looked OK but wasn't quite tight - so when starting, the load made the terminal pop away from the post slightly and break the connection - tightened up the clamp and hey presto! You never know.

But if he did have to top-up the battery, and all connections are tight, then the batt would be my no 1 suspect .... you can check the voltage, shouldbe about 13.5 - 14 volts across the terminals, but take the reading after the battery has remained unused for 10 mins or so.

Testing battery terminal voltage when off-load is only really a partial indicator - if it's much below 12V then yes, the battery is very probably dead, dying or insufficiently charged. However, just because the off-load voltage is a solid 12-13V, this is no real indicator of anything.

I have had this problem on an old volvo, I used to find a gentle tap with a small hammer on the starter motor cured it every time, but eventually it went completely. I think you are lookin at a new or recon starter motor, Paul.

Hence why I said "on a day when it plays up."

Ah, sorry, I misread - I see where you're coming from.