Cannot start my 4.2, playing weird

[Kelvinator]

Hey guys, i went to start my troll and it just clicked on me, sounded like it was throwing out the solenoid but not turning over. Then after near killing pedestrians as my frustration grew it kicked over. Then after leaving work it turned over first go but sounded like the battery was struggling. Voltage dropped a heap on the voltmeter. Brand new batteries and alternator and perfect charge so it was very weird. Then when i got home nothing, just clicking and occasionally it would make the weirdest almost growl sound but not kick over. What have i done?! And a new starter is ridonculous price so if anybody has any good ideas lemme know before i spend bulk. As an ex mechanic i'll know what your talking about, im just on 12hr shifts and very low on time to suss this out at length. Also if anyone in gladdy has a good spare alternator i could test my theory with that would be super

[Bob]

I would check the Battery Terminals

[Kelvinator]

Nah mate, battery terminals are all sweet.

[taslucas]

TB42 or TD42?
If it is the starter motor, an overhaul would be cheaper than buying a new one.
Sorry I can't be of more help
Lucas

[Kelvinator]

Diesel matey, and yeah i agree that a rebuild of the starter would be easier I'm just not sure it is the starter yet and i dont have access to facilities to get it rebuilt at current.

[Kelvinator]

sorry, cheaper*

Diesel matey, and yeah i agree that a rebuild of the starter would be easier I'm just not sure it is the starter yet and i dont have access to facilities to get it rebuilt at current.

[taslucas]

Maybe you could try shorting the starter motor?

Lucas

[Kelvinator]

Yeah mate i tried it last night in the pitch black, got nothing but the lug was greasier than an old barby plate so ive got to give that another go with light and a bit more clenliness

[Yendor]

Make sure the battery terminals are clean and tight, also check the main earth connection to the engine and starter motor.

After you have tried to start it, feel the battery cables and terminals. If there is a bad connection it will feel much hotter then the rest.

Have you been playing in mud holes lately?, if so there is a good chance the starter motor if full of muddy water.

You could try removing the starter motor, strip it down and inspect. It might just need a good clean out.

[Kelvinator]

Yeah mate, Ive tried all that. Ive bitten the bullet and booked it into an auto elecy but ive still got four days to win at this. Someone has suggested to me that the solenoid is fluttering. Anybody know what causes it or how to test/rectify this?