Time for a new starter motor?

My bus has been really inconsistent when it comes to starting lately. Some days it'll happily start and others it'll start once then let me down later on in the same journey.

Today, with the help of a mate, I cleaned the all the terminals, removed and cleaned the earth strap and ran a multimeter over the starter. It's getting 12 volts and will spin if the contacts are bridged. But yet it still doesn't start consistently.

Today, it started fine twice. Then wouldn't start after we'd worked on it. Once we span the starter motor by bridging the contacts (ignition off) it did start.

Is my only option to buy a new starter motor? Any help gratefully received!

 

Ignition switch. 10.00 from justkampers

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Sounds like the solenoid packing up, normally sorted by a tap with a hammer short term or replacement of just solenoid

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Thanks for the replies!

I'll look to replace the ignition switch, but if not then is it possible to just buy a replacement solenoid? I can't seem to find any listed.

 

if it started when you bridged the contacts it makes the ignition switch the most likely culprit, I just changed mine but I had realised it was on the way out
took me an hour then all was sweet
good luck
A

 

Your ignition switch will most likely be split ... also a hot start relay is a good idea

 

Thank you all for your help. My bus is a 73 (built December 72) and the JK ignition switch seems to be for 74-onwards vehicles. Do I need the one which comes with wires attached?

 

jk do 3 ignition switches , you need the one with the wires

If the starter spins when you apply voltage it’s not the starter, suspect the switch or volt drop , for an easy quick test , plug a wire to the starter solenoid and run it into the engine bay , whenever it doesn’t work try putting the wire on the battery positive, if it works consistently it’s the switch or volt drop, hot start relay fixes volt drop

 

Same as mine I believe, which is this one:
https://www.alanhschofield.com/ourparts/prod_2514158-Ignition-Electrical-Switch-7074-111905865F.html

 

I managed once to get a switch off GSF that looked like that . came in the right bag. . but had detent positions that didnt match the bus.