Went for a great drive from Glasgow -> Glencoe -> Port Appin -> Oban -> Inveraray (bought nice bottles of whisky here, highly recommended if you are in the area and can stretch for their 55,000 pounds 1919 whisky bottle on display behind the counter http://www.lfw.co.uk/) -> Loch Lomond -> Glasgow.

First problem to report: Over the two-day trip, on three separate occasions (out of about 10), the starter motor emitted the ominous "click" sound without turning. Each time, starter motor turned and engine started on the second button push.

Time to change the starter motor, or is this still OK? (Car sporadically used)

Have the battery and the alternator checked. If the car is only sporadically used, it may need to be coupled to a trickle charger during storage.

Harald

A clicking starter is hardly ever the starter. As Soleng has said, make sure the battery is sound, and check all the battery connections, especially the positive side.

The Battery is new and the connections are good... on an Aero 8 it is the starter, however the symptoms you give are well off needing a new one. A quick fix is to have the electrical terminals on the starter cleaned and it will delay the need for the change.

It was down to the starters sitting round on the crate engines for so long before fitting and bieng susceptable to corrosion when fitted to the Aero.

Ceralsurfer

I also occasionally have this problem on my S1.

Given that I have the front of the car apart at the moment (to replace a cooling fan module) can I assume it is worthwhile removing the starter, dismantling it and giving it a good clean up?

Cheers

Philip

Yes, it certainly helps a lot...

We've changed quite a few now and when you swap to a new starter the difference is supprising.

TBH though until you get to a consistant second click it's not worth changing.