Disco 2 Starter motor

Efrem · Oct 28, 2018

Hi,I recently posted regarding our disco 2 td5 commercial having trouble starting or rather not starting.thought it was immobilzer but after following a few steps which we were guided to try out we found the starter motor selonoid has gone.we have bought another starter motor and have tried to replace. Undone the bottom two bolts but really struggling with the top bolt. Consulted the Haynes manual which just says undo the bolts and remove.i know I suffer from fibromyalgia but 3 hrs trying to remove the top bolt is ridiculous. Can get my finger tips on it but can't get a socket or even a spanner on it.this is done from underneath as unable to get to it from above.any any ideas or tips would be greatly received as then hopefully after many week's I'll have a working truck. Thanks you

jamesmartin · Oct 28, 2018

Efrem said:
Hi,I recently posted regarding our disco 2 td5 commercial having trouble starting or rather not starting.thought it was immobilzer but after following a few steps which we were guided to try out we found the starter motor selonoid has gone.we have bought another starter motor and have tried to replace. Undone the bottom two bolts but really struggling with the top bolt. Consulted the Haynes manual which just says undo the bolts and remove.i know I suffer from fibromyalgia but 3 hrs trying to remove the top bolt is ridiculous. Can get my finger tips on it but can't get a socket or even a spanner on it.this is done from underneath as unable to get to it from above.any any ideas or tips would be greatly received as then hopefully after many week's I'll have a working truck. Thanks you

underneath with a suitable length extension and a decent ratchet thin wall 15mm socket from underneath you can get help with someone at the top guiding socket on with a telescopic magnet or similar or i reach round from box side with the other hand to guide it on

brianconwy · Oct 28, 2018

I find the easiest way on mine is to set up extensions so that the distance between the back of the socket wrench and the end of the socket is between 18cm and 19cm. Any longer and there is not enough room. As said above with your head to the front of the car you can feel the nut with your left hand. You can probe with the socket and extension with your right hand and then fit the socket driver carefully to not dislodge it. Fun the first time though. It is one of these things where once you have done it once then it is quite easy.

Bobdog · Oct 28, 2018

Efrem said:
Hi,I recently posted regarding our disco 2 td5 commercial having trouble starting or rather not starting.thought it was immobilzer but after following a few steps which we were guided to try out we found the starter motor selonoid has gone.we have bought another starter motor and have tried to replace. Undone the bottom two bolts but really struggling with the top bolt. Consulted the Haynes manual which just says undo the bolts and remove.i know I suffer from fibromyalgia but 3 hrs trying to remove the top bolt is ridiculous. Can get my finger tips on it but can't get a socket or even a spanner on it.this is done from underneath as unable to get to it from above.any any ideas or tips would be greatly received as then hopefully after many week's I'll have a working truck. Thanks you

Just a thought (and you probably have done,) but have you tried cleaning up the small spade type connector to the solenoid? I had exactly the same symptoms as you, thought I was going to need a new starter motor, and all it turned out to be was a loose/dirty connection. Cleaned it up and it's fine.

neilEbardsley · Oct 29, 2018

I recently just bought a starter repair kit and replaced the plunger, and cleaned the contacts, with the starter on the car so avoid the problem of removing the starter.

Perhaps not a long term solution but working for me

Jamiegreen · Oct 29, 2018

Removed mine today, 4" extension bar (I think) with a 15mm socket and 3/8 ratchet. its a bit fiddly and took me a few mins to get it on, but certainly possible, all done from underneath btw.
Mine has just been clicking and not firing, after taking out realized its a crappy aftermarket one, so putting a repair kit on my genuine spare one and fitting that.

Jamiedc · Apr 1, 2021

Jamiegreen said:
Removed mine today, 4" extension bar (I think) with a 15mm socket and 3/8 ratchet. its a bit fiddly and took me a few mins to get it on, but certainly possible, all done from underneath btw.
Mine has just been clicking and not firing, after taking out realized its a crappy aftermarket one, so putting a repair kit on my genuine spare one and fitting that.

Hi mate. Just wondering if you could give me some guidance. Know this post is old. I'm having the same issue with the clicking and not firing. I'm not entirely sure how to locate the starter motor. Do you happen to have a diagram of where it is. Just got some advice that I need to give it a little knock.
Not a long term solution but will get it going...

Jamiegreen · Apr 1, 2021

Jamiedc said:
Hi mate. Just wondering if you could give me some guidance. Know this post is old. I'm having the same issue with the clicking and not firing. I'm not entirely sure how to locate the starter motor. Do you happen to have a diagram of where it is. Just got some advice that I need to give it a little knock.
Not a long term solution but will get it going...

Hey, it's pretty hard to miss once your under. Facing the car from the front it's to the left side and towards the back end of the engine about half way up the side.

Jamiedc · Apr 6, 2021

Jamiegreen said:
Hey, it's pretty hard to miss once your under. Facing the car from the front it's to the left side and towards the back end of the engine about half way up the side.

Got it!

Intestinalworm · Apr 7, 2021

brianconwy said:
I find the easiest way on mine is to set up extensions so that the distance between the back of the socket wrench and the end of the socket is between 18cm and 19cm. Any longer and there is not enough room. As said above with your head to the front of the car you can feel the nut with your left hand. You can probe with the socket and extension with your right hand and then fit the socket driver carefully to not dislodge it. Fun the first time though. It is one of these things where once you have done it once then it is quite easy.
View attachment 161656

This, but I used a wobble extension with the thin walled six-sided socket to get a little bit of articulation - did it all from underneath. Soaked the area with penetrant before-hand, and put a little ball of Blu Tac inside the socket so I didn't drop the bolt.

Disco 2 Starter motor

Efrem

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jamesmartin

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brianconwy

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Bobdog

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neilEbardsley

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Jamiegreen

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Jamiedc

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Jamiegreen

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Jamiedc

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Intestinalworm

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