So...last few days car was taking between 2-4 attempts before it started.
Suspected starter motor and replacement costs were between £180 to £250 for replacement and then couldn't get slot until 2 weeks time plus labour charges for 2hrs.

Decided to take starter to local alternator/starter motor specialist to test and refurbish.

Followed haynes manual and managed to remove this morning and took to local specialist. He tested there and then and said it needed solenoid and other bits. So he did it there and then for £55
Refitted and works a treat.

This is a job any reasonable competent person could do and it is satisfying to know that i saved £££ plus recycled part and fitted myself

Common problem with the Denso starter.
The solenoid refurb kit is readily available for eBay. I think it is about £26 now.
Glad you got yours sorted.👍 Now at the point when I learn something new something old is lost out the other side !
Now retired so it doesn't matter anymore.
Freelander now gone.

Make sure the connector terminal is clean - bright and shiny. Its only 12v pushing all that current and a bit of corrosion can really reduce the amps going to the starter motor. Jules

There's a place near me near Reading, Burfield Starters and Alternator repairs brilliant firm has refurbed starters and the like for our Defenders. We should all support these firms as they save us £££££. 2013 FL2 XS.
Defender 90 300 TDi.
Defender 90 300 TDi CSW.
1964 MGB Roadster.
1944 Willys MB "Jeep" with bullet holes. (gone)
17 hand Irish Drought Thoroughbred (mostly lame)
Nagging Old Boiler.

I agree - I've had several alternators and starters refurbed locally by

"Car & Commercial Electrics", near Nuneaton, Warks 02476 392616 Jules

There was a slight temporary problem though. I forgot to reconnect MAF sensor so when i first started it it showed restricted performance doh!!
Anyway after several minutes of catastrophic thoughts i realised what i had done, plugged it in and now all good.

I think the funny part is 2 hours labour quote for a 30 minute job.

The solenoid and contactor replacement is an easy DIY repair for next time.  2009 Rimini Red SE TD4. Soon to be sold.
Hyundai Ionic 5 Ultimate on order.
Gone. 2006 Tonga Green i6 HSE.

30 min job that turned into most of a day after I dropped a nut into the bell housing.

I can laugh now but initially I thought I was going to have to take the gearbox off.

Luckily an phone endoscope did the job in retrieving the nut. Jules

Nodge68 wrote:

I think the funny part is 2 hours labour quote for a 30 minute job.

The solenoid and contactor replacement is an easy DIY repair for next time.