My LRD2 has been running great since all the recent work (plugs/leads/VC gaskets/coils/ball joints...) with the exception of the amigos from a bad front sensor connection. Temps great, smooth running, sweet.

New problem is starting. Last week she was sluggish a few times to turn over. Then it wouldn't turn over at all, like when you have a dead/weak battery. Dropped a new battery in but no difference.

I pulled the starter and dropped it off to a local starter/alternator shop which switched out the solenoid. Just put it back in and same problem. Voltage from battery is good and connections look fine.

Could it be the starter itself is toast and the guy at the shop just didn't know/care?

Help - opinions needed. She's stranded in the driveway and if I need to switch starter then I need to order ASAP to get it shipped down here on island. Guys are coming next week to finally replace roof from hurricane damage and need access via driveway!

Any clues/tips?

Thanks,
Scott - St. Croix, USVI

PS. I pulled some plugs and they all look good. No indication of any HG issues (oil/coolant all mint) and she was running smooth as beforehand.

 

If it was sluggish turning over, either battery is weak or cable end/terminals are loose/corroded or starter is bad (worn internal brushes and bushings...whereas, solenoid would have nothing to do with the rate of speed the starter turns the engine over, it's main purpose is to engage the pinion and energize field for starter windings...if solenoid is bad, usually just clicks when you turn the key or nothing at all).

Check cable ends, especially ground wire at alternator bracket (without a good ground, you will not get full battery draw). If battery and cables all look good, change starter.

Brian.

 

Thanks mate. All connections are nice and clean so it's got to be the starter.
Appreciate the input.

 

Just make sure that ground cable at alternator bracket is clean and tight. 50% of the time it ends up being this.

Brian.

 

I have had to replace several, the starter motor brushes wear out at about 130-180k, depending on number of starts.

 

Update: I replaced the starter with a new cheap one. Seems to be all ok now.

So if your starter is slow to turn over, and you know your battery and connections are good, then it's probably time for a new starter.

Thanks to all for the help.