While it was off I cleaned up all the terminals and earth points, including the box to chassis strap.
I had to cut back the thin starter wire to find good clean copper and replaced the spade connector.
The motor used to fail to catch once in a blue moon but now it fails more often than not, the solenoid is clicking but the motor aint turning.
If I keep trying it catches after a three or four tries.
I've had it off again intending to strip the solenoid and clean it's contacts but it's a sealed unit.

The old hit it with a hammer trick doesnt help.

Stcking a screwdriver accross the solenoid terminals spins the motor nicely every time so the motor seems to be ok and that proves the earth too.
1- do the problems never end?
2- anything you can suggest that I've missed?
3- has anyone got a spare solenoid they'd swap for a handfull of sheckles? (or shackles

Shipping a complete motor up here would be pretty expensive but a solenoid shouldn't break my bank.