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Sounds like it very well could be the starter motor.
The brushes sometimes go on these. Here's a few tests
- disconnect the big 12V wire and measure the resistance between
the terminal and ground (or use a bulb and wire from the +ve
terminal of the battery [Note: Make sure you have the bulb
in-line or it's wire melting time]
(the yellow thing is a bulb!)
The resistance should be very low (or the bulb should light up).
- See if there's a small end-cap on the starter motor. If there
is, remove it and you might see the square end of a shaft. Use a
spanner to turn it a bit then try the starter again (make sure you
take the spanner off first). If it starts, this could indicate worn
brushes or oxidation of the commutator. (It's also a handy fix until
you can get it fixed properly).
- Hit the starter motor with a hammer (no, really).
The brushes are spring loaded and may be caught.
This is also another get-you-home fix. (Usual
disclaimers apply)
If it is the brushes, replacement is fairly cheap. On my Escort (old
mkII thing), it was a case of snipping the braided wires off of a
metal bar and soldering a new pair on. A warning that this requires
more heat than a standard soldering iron provides (and it's a wonder I
didnt blow the house up with the device I rigged up from the gas to do
it). Whilst you're at it, a bit of fine wet and dry around the
commutator to clean up any oxidation due to sparking is a good idea
too.
Rich
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