Starter motor ?

[muskrat]

Having intermittent problems with starting. Turning key gives clunk which I'm pretty sure is solenoid but starter motor doesn't turn. After a few attempts it does and engine fires no problem. Can happen hot or cold and seems to be getting worse. Does anyone think this could be anything other than dodgy starter motor before I go replacing it ?

[kev s3]

does sound like the starter. check for voltage at the solonoid when key is turned. check the battery is fully charged. could be the actuating arm that the solenoid pushes to engage the cog. i had this with mine and robbed one off an old bosch starter from the scrappy. you will have to take it off the car and strip it to see this. when its off the car your local bosch or lucas dealer might be able to check it.
cheers

[z_chromozone]

Most problems with starters that I have had have been from bad earths. Usually you just get the clunk, but nothing else happens. The solnoid draws very little power and so moves, but the starter its self has not got enough current to do the job. Check the battery earth and engine earth points first. It could save some time in the long run.

Z