Starting issues

[MaverickLunnon]

Gday everyone, fresh join from Melbourne Australia here

Ive got a 2009 Zd30 Crd and am having trouble starting it since having it open to fix a timing cover leak.

when i try to start it, The starter motor engages for a second, turns the engine over once, then the solenoid disengages and the starter is freely spinning without engaging the flywheel teeth.

I initially thought it was a problem with the starter and bought a brand new one to the same effect. I have bench tested the starter relay, which works when given power across the coil, i can even hear it engaging when i turn the key

The battery is full, 12.8 volts, and i have a second battery in the engine bay that ive joined with jumper cables

Ive tested with a multimeter while someone turned the key and the voltage drops to 11.2 volts a short time after the starter engages, so it seems like there is something earthing out, or the starter is getting disengaged too soon.

Has anyone had a similar issue to this before? any help would be greatly appreciated

[mudski]

I would have though a dodgy solenoid, but since you changed the starter out. Its not that. Check and clean all the earth connections. I would even run an extra from the neg on the battery to the motor and also run one from the chassis to the gearbox. Patrols are notorious for earthing issues. This would be my first port of call... Next would be the starter relay i guess.

[PeeBee]

I agree with mudski, earth earth earth, check you have all the 'little wires' connected also, and also have a look at your starter relay - I had problems with the terminals on my GQ. When disconnecting the starter battery its easy for an earth cable to 'pop off and hide' and you miss it upon re-connection