Ford transit Mk6 2001 not always starting

[VanMarco]

Hi people,
I own a Mk6 Ford Transit 2.4 TD51 plate, 2001. Basically what's happening is that it does not start... always.
I turn the key on, wait for the glow plugs light to turn off and try to crank it, nothing happens. Just a single sound from the engine compartment
like a click but not quite. Sometimes before I try to crank, I could hear some kind of whirring noise. I switch everything off and repeat, several times, and then it fires.
What I have excluded so far. Relay 1 and 13 ignition and starter. Switch on the ingition and key block. Looked under for any signs of corrosion
on the starter motor contacts. Battery is tested good. I don't know what to think other that there could be a problem with the solenoid on the starter, or the ECU has gone crazy? Any input would be appreciated

Thanks!

[ake]

My money is on starter

[ned]

How have you ruled out the starter, I'm with Ake the starter is dying. N

[VanMarco]

well I did not rule out the starter, I just checked if the contacts were rusty or anything but I didn't take it out and bench tested. To remove this part, it seems there's a brake system pump mounted over it, will I be able to take it out without taking also this pump out? Thanks for the help!!

[ake]

well I did not rule out the starter, I just checked if the contacts were rusty or anything but I didn't take it out and bench tested. To remove this part, it seems there's a brake system pump mounted over it, will I be able to take it out without taking also this pump out? Thanks for the help!!

Starter comes out with removing anything else

[VanMarco]

hi, thanks, I've seen how to take it out. As i was there and I had a helper I measured the voltage on the starter itself while cranking I got 8.39V I don't know maybe I was wrong about the battery, but it seems odd as sometimes it started no problem

thanks

[MB15]

Sounds like the starter is sticking if you have plenty voltage , Remove & bench test it ,
If it does it again while on the van - give it a whack

[VanMarco]

Ok today i took the starter out big pain in the ass, it seems to be faulty. I bench tested it, and not only i get a strange gravelly sound, also it does not always engage when the trigger terminal is triggered, It also have lost the dust cap on the side. Will update once refitted a new one

thanks a lot!

[VanMarco]

starter replaced, still no go. I have also changed the battery to be 100% sure, I have excluded so far, ignition switch, relays, starter and battery and all I hear when I turn the key is the same "clunk" and no start. The ! signal switch on as I turn the key, but thats it
Im out of ideas

anyone?

thanks

[alexandrey]

Mine did the same new starter and new battery, not always starting just clicks 1-2 times and then starts, after i cleaned battery terminals starts every time but now when turning the key and starts someting clicks under the driver seat (where the battery is) what you guys think that can mean??

[VanMarco]

Ok i found what was wrong, LOL, i forgot to reconnect the big cable to the starter. Starter solenoid was faulty, so a new starter fixed it.

Thanks!