This is my first post so hello everyone. Myself and my wife own a D reg (1986?) Autosleeper poptop conversion 1.9 DG. We have three kids who sleep in the van with us and a dog! It has been trouble free-ish for most of the year that we have owned it. I have noticed over about the last month that the starter motor feels sluggish. The other day while we were out for the day, it failed to start. Turn the key and nothing, not even a click from the solenoid. Luckily I had parked on a hill and bump started the van. Back home, I switched her off and tried to start. Again, nothing. Not even a click. I have checked power to the back of the starter and there is plenty - 12.5v. When the ignition is turned to the start position, I get 12.5v at the exciter wire (I think that is what the little wire to the spade connector is called). I have pulled the starter from the van and connected it to the battery with jump leads. Touching a temporary wire from the exciter to the positive jump lead gives me nothing, not even a click from the solenoid. I have noticed that the spindle seems to have a lot of lateral play - several millimetres. I guessing the starter is dead. Does this sound right? Are there any other checks I should do first?
Also, here is a photo of the bush - does it need replacing.
Many thanks
Rob.
