Starter motor - repair / replace?

[notax]

Further to Andy JB's thread, my starter motor is also giving problems. When it works it is fine, but increasingly it just clicks loudly. Same thing used to happen with my old Mk2 Escort rally car - that was caused by the solenoid which would work after a wack from a hammer. Matt H mentioned lubing the pre engager - would this help or should I just buy a new one, especially as can get one for £60 on Ebay?

[softtop]

Buy a new one and remove the problems

[Andy JB]

Could you send me a link for ebay, the best i've seen was £94 from car electrics online. Otherwise TVR Car parts ££140 plus VAT & P&P ! FWIW I have been warned about teh cheap ones being a false economy!

[Justin Hill]

When it clicks, bang it with a hammer and it will then (maybe) work.

Well that's what I used to do with my old bangers in the 70's.

On a more serious note (although the banging with a hammer is actually a serious suggestion), I think these Rover v8's have problems with the starter motors.

Certainly, the Range Rovers with the same engine have problems with their starter motors so I hear

[radzoule]

I bought a prestolite replacement when mine died for under £40. It works fine, but I wouldn't recommend it as it sounds very shrill when turning over - so much so a mate of mine commented on it the other day - said it sounded like an old fiat panda when cranking!

An example of false economy i think...

[edward1]

I got a replacement from Paddockspares.com (land rover/range rover specialist). Was goiing to buy the prestolite one and was told by them that they had feedback that ti was unreliable so got the genuine part instead. Can't remembe the price.

[Ballistic Banana]

touches wood, The prestolite one I Have has been on for over nearly 2 1/2 years with absolutely no probs ( kiss off death ) it does turn over very quickly mind but I have got use to that now.
My school of thought... They are made by a south African Company ( ok cheaper labour reflects the cost) and I would hope that they have been tried and tested in what i would see is a slightly Hot country.

I have heard of a few having troubles though and being replaced FOC

BB