Solenoid problems?

[Grampavan]

Been on my hols for a week and on my return the van would not start. Has new Battery, new (second hand) alternator, and has been starting fine. A mate of mine borrowed the van and broke down about two months ago. He called the AA and on the report it says the solenoid had a bad connection, AA man tightened (??) conection and all was fine. Thinking this may have been the problem i looked at the solenoid and the main connection looked fine and the van started with jump-leads but will not start again...............any ideas anyone, is this a common problem and will i need a new solenoid (ahhh more cash)
Thanks for your thoughts..............its jump-starts till i fix it

[Red Westie]

Well there are a few possible reasons:
The sonenoid switch feed terminal (not the main power terminal) corroded/loose. this is a spade type connector and is prone to creating faults (the connection needs to be tight/free from corrosion.
Earth lead corroded on the gearbox tail end.
Ignition switch fault (more common than people know)
starter armature support bush (if it is the non supported type) wears oval and creates slow cranking but not normally non start.
Battery and earth terminals generally (the starter uses 200amps plus when cranking so all connections need to be 100% sound/secure and corrosion free).
After all these then yes...suspect the starter itself.
Martin

[CovKid]

The other connection that can go or become weak and often not spotted is small earth wire from solenoid to starter itself. Sometimes only obvious when starter removed.

[Grampavan]

Thanks for that guys, will be looking at these options ASAP.

[Grampavan]

Ha ha ha all sorted now (i think) Battery flat because of an interior light knocked on for my weeks holiday. But thanks for the advice cos it may come in use at a later date!! happy days