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
Well-Known Member
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
Well-Known Member
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
Well-Known Member
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
Member
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
Perhaps not a long term solution but working for me
Jamiegreen
Well-Known Member
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.
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
Well-Known Member
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
Well-Known Member
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.
