Non-starter motor

The message from Antony Gelberg contains these words:

Sounds like the starter's turning but not engaging with the engine.

Check that your battery terminals are clean and tight. That's the most common cause of intermittent failure to turn the starter motor over.

A solenoid problem (bad contacts or sticking) is also possible with the symptoms you mention.

John

Given the vehicle, it's most likely a bad connection. Check both battery terminals are clean and secure (used to be the most common problem on older pugs), but earths did occasionally give some grief.

Thanks to all who responded. I like the sound of the above. If it was power, I'd expect the odd clunk, or nothing at all, and little change with heat. Is there a known starter fault that occurs mainly when hot? Anyone know anything about starter internals?

At 102000 miles, I'm well prepared to change the motor, and clean the connections whilst I'm there. It doesn't look difficult in Haynes. I would be a little egged if I changed it and the problem was still there, but that's what I get for buying a French car.

The message from Antony Gelberg contains these words:

All things are possible. I'd take the starter off and see if you can persuade it to be better behaved.

I've been called out to a few cars over the years which have been non-starters, but have started for me when I got there and they've had a chance to cool down. In all cases where I've heard the result, it has been replacing the starter that has cured the problem.

Steve