Starter motor

[Goldstar]

Sounds to me like it could be the dreaded Stag click Richard. Iirc that usually means ignition switch rather than starter motor but I'm no expert, could be the solenoid I guess. I've got a spare you can try

[Richard Saunders]

Had a new one of those fitted in the summer

[72BLUE]

Looked underneath to check the connections to the solenoid and they seemed ok?

Have you checked/cleaned the multi-pin connector block that is close to the starter motor and heads off under the bulkhead/gearbox tunnel area? On auto cars the wiring there is to do with the inhibitor but on manual cars the wiring in the multi-pin block can be taken out of the block and connected together directly. The wiring connections down there can get very grotty, so either clean all connections up or re-route and make new (preferably soldered) connections as appropriate.

Keith

[Richard Saunders]

Paul - you were right about the 'Stag click'. I bought a starter relay kit from EJ Wards for 20 quid. 10 minutes to fit and problem solved

Thanks for advice one and all.

[Goldstar]

Good result, saves me having to do contortions with my socket extension.....

[Richard Saunders]

...and saves me about 170 quid on a new starter motor!