Engine will not start (intermittent)

[vk5cp]

Hi,

My 2003 160,00km TD6 HSE RR is getting old and on some occassions when I turn the key the starter motor turns but the engine doesn't, it was happening infrequently at first but now its about 50% of the time, normally starts on the next key turn.

Am I correct in presuming that the starter motor cog is not engaging with the big cog on the flywheel?

Questions

How hard (read expensive) is this to fix?
Should I do it before or after I go galvanting down creeks in the Flinders Ranges.

Thanks Brains Trust

[Homestar]

My starter died at 195,000 so you might be there about now. I would replace the starter before going anywhere too remote. You ca get one from OS at a reasonable price. Locally a bit more, but readily available.