dodgy starter

[weeda]

morning guys, right i have a 1.6 diesel (not turbo) and it has started getting tempramental starting, sometimes first time and alls good sometimes it only "clicks" but after 2 or 3 clicks it starts??? so far has never not started but had a few deep breath moments after said clicks!!!!when it starts first time if i drive it and leave it for a bit then go to start it i can encounter the clicking prob!!!(not everytime) am i looking at a new starter motor???
also a few weeks ago the key wouldnt go into the ignition barrel and when i looked closely something had covered the hole (a silver plate type thing)so i prodded and freed it and the key went in all be it a little hard, sprayed some wd40 into it and all seems ok now, could this be anything to do with the starting prob???
i am not mechanically minded so be easy on your replys please
i have my brother on hand to sort it b4 we go back to newquay end of month.
am hoping it will be ok for harewood next wekend.
thanks in advance

[weeda]

any ideas folks???

[weldore]

there are only a few reasons why the starter wont work..

one is a bad earth..you can check this straight away by putting a jump lead from the battery negetive and onto the solenoid body.

another might be the braided section from the solenoid to the starter motor is corroded so even if it clicks it wont turn because of the bad connection.it might do it after a few attempts when the current finally gets through.

another may be the connection from the 'signal in' (which is the smaller wire with the female spade connector)is corroded and needs cleaning or replacing with a new connector..also the large wire that runs from the battery positive might need cleaning up on both ends too.

another is the 'signal wire' isnt getting any power to it because the ignition barrel is faulty(but if you are getting the click then this is not the case)

another could be the starter is tired and needs replacing(this would be the very last option after checking all the above)


cant think of any more because ive drunk some cider

[weldore]

oh..another might be your battery is low and you havnt waited for the glow plug light to go out and its draining the power enough for the starter not to turn(wait for the light to go out)

[weeda]

hi many thanks for your reply and help, i will get my brother on to it asap! i always wait for the orange light to go out before trying to start it so thats ok.
cheers