Well heres the scoop.
Couple of days the starter motor has sounded weird when cranking the engine. Last night it barely turned over but it started.....just. Coming home from work I had funny noises when operating the starter, nearly called out the CAA, but one last turn of the key & it cranked over like nothing was wrong ! Later this evening the starter would turn very slowly or not at all, now it just clicks when I turn the ig key. Battery is still above 75% charged.
Charging system is good at 14.5 volts , battery has good specific gravity fully charged. Relay above the battery is good, all connections are clean & tight.
Head-lights do not dim when operating the ignition switch & voltage only drops about 0.5 volt at the battery.

Down at the starter end, I've checked & cleaned all the positive connections, The grounds are tight, cant see where the battery negative is from under the car, but everything else works good so I'm pretty confident thats not the problem.

The solenoid, makes loud clicking noise, but I still need to put a jump lead right onto the starter direct, did not do that tonight, due to lack of light & cold.

I'm thinking the starter is shot ? I had it replaced with an after market item almost 3 years back.............. any other ideas or checks?
Thanks in advance,

Aeroman.

 

if you can get at the 12v connection on the starter, measure it with starter engaged. should be above 10v if upper solenoid and cables are good.

check the negative lead over well, they get frayed and break internally or bad connection to chassis/engine

 

check a switch inside the starter under the cover

 

You know if you can somehow get the car to a local parts store, they can test the starter.

 

If your "replacement " starter was from a large national discount franchise Auto parts supplier three years ago, I believe you have hit the designed obsolescence wall. Your resolution will most likely end up being to be replacing your "replaced starter motor".
To prevent reocurrance of this problem shop quality not price & get a limited Lifetime warranty starter from reliable Jobber or your OEM dealer. It's more expensive to buy but the peace of mind & miles of service is worth it to me.

FBp

 

Yeah you got it.

Starter was shot & luckily within warrenty by 2 months. Had it replaced for $150 CAD which is for labour & diagnostics. Actual starter would have been a further $185. Next time it'll be a DIY job with a Ford unit fitted.
Luckily I was not towing my boat on a long trip!