Hi,

My much loved 1999 Freelander is having difficulties starting these days.
For a bit of background story, the head gasket failed last year in may, having just replaced the entire exhaust, the tyres and the brakes, and very attached to it I decided to undergo an engine rebuilt through a friend’s mechanic to keep the car up and running. I was advised that it would cost as much as getting another one second hand but I believe in maintaining a car and injecting some money into it when needed rather than buying another one with other problems. Plus I'm really attached to this car, I just felt that its time hasn't come yet.
Anyway, he got the job done using parts of a reconditioned working engine and my old engine and fitted a new timing belt and a new clutch and got my car back in october.
At the end of november, the car wouldn’t start. Sorry for the approximate description, I have fairly limited mechanic skills, I know where is what and how things generally work under the hood but unfortunately that’s about it.
When I turned the ignition key, the engine clicked, made a strange muffled noise, sounding like something was trying to turn while chocking, but the engine wouldn’t start. The mechanic came around and played around the starter and made the car start. he showed me how to start the starter motor by putting a screwdriver between two bolts. The car had no problems starting for the next 3 weeks. Then 2 weeks ago it wouldn’t start again, even using the screwdriver. I changed my 4 years old battery thinking the starter motor might need a bit more power to start turning, and the car worked fine for a few days. Unfortunately it didn’t last very long and started playing again. When I use the screwdriver to kick the starter, I can hear it making the muffled noise, then sometimes turning rapidly but the engine is still not starting.
My mechanic said the starter was looking a bit old but went interstate since then and the local mechanic asked for 1500$ to get it changed for a new one. I found it to be a bit much knowing I can get the parts for 400$ new and imported but before I spend money on parts that might not be the source of the problem, I have to be sure what the problem is. Does anyone know a way for me to check what is causing the problem or does anyone know if changing the starter will solve the problem?

Sorry about the long story, thank you for your time.
Regards
David

1999 Freelander, 1.8L Petrol, 4 Cyl, 5 Speed manual, 100,000kms

 

Not sure where you are located, but here in the states if you pull the starter off you can take it to a auto parts store for testing. Maybe its the same in your area.