Thread: TD5 Starter Solenoid gone, any spare part in Sydney?

Thanks a lot for your input!

Yes, the cables i used were cut from a 800Amp jump start package which has very thick gauge wire and thick protection layer that I believe can handle 400A transfer well.

The kill switch actually is called SCA Battery Master Switch which was rated 250A by trade. I found that it has a very solid design, and based on my experience with kill switch then 250A rate is very accurate if not more.

Following your idea, I just did a test of 5 times cranking the engine on continuously. After 1st to 3rd times the terminals of the kill switch are very cool like nothing change. Only at 5th times then I feel a slight change of temperature which might be just about few degree. So it seems it works quite well for now.

Also the cables feel completely cool.

I will keep an eye on it often, but at least I can drive the Disco quickly now after a day off the roads .

Originally Posted by Old Farang

Take the following how you like, but just be aware of a couple of things:

Firstly, you need quite a few more bits of 2.5mm cable to get anywhere near 400 amps!

Next: that Clipsal switch is probably rated AC only, and will not take kindly to DC arcs when switching it

Next: if it welds closed because of above, you may find that you are up for a lot more than a simple solenoid repair!

I just replaced the contacts in mine as preventative maintenance - original at 329 K Km they were half worn and quite pitted. See pics.
IMG_1472.jpg IMG_1473.jpg

Awesome job! I knew that the left terminal (main positive battery cable) was broken on mine but other right side works as normal. I wish I could have it out in hands now but needs to wait for more time

Originally Posted by simonmelb

I just replaced the contacts in mine as preventative maintenance - original at 329 K Km they were half worn and quite pitted. See pics.
IMG_1472.jpg IMG_1473.jpg

My Defender has 275k on the clock. I thought I better be prepared and ordered one:
Diesel Starter Motor Repair Fix Kit For Land Rover Discovery Defender TD5 2.5 AU

The seller was in Melbourne and it arrived after 2 days. Cost $25.10 Not worth making the bits and pieces, right?

Seems worthwhile to have. Now I am thinking of getting a fuel pump, just in case and cut that hole in the rear to access it if it goes bad.

Yeah, definitely not worth if we compare cost because my setup would cost about $90 in parts.

However, I think if we are in middle of nowhere without spare kit, then getting a temporary solution working for a short time wouldn't be a bad idea (especially true for me who would not want to take the challenge to remove the starter motor out).

Originally Posted by Parker

My Defender has 275k on the clock. I thought I better be prepared and ordered one:
Diesel Starter Motor Repair Fix Kit For Land Rover Discovery Defender TD5 2.5 AU

The seller was in Melbourne and it arrived after 2 days. Cost $25.10 Not worth making the bits and pieces, right?

Seems worthwhile to have. Now I am thinking of getting a fuel pump, just in case and cut that hole in the rear to access it if it goes bad.

For anyone who wants to know how long it needs to be replaced. I forgot to mention that since the day I had the car 1 year ago, previous 2 owners (in about 7 years) already had a symptom of Click Click hard to start.

Over a year I had to remove the battery cable on the side of starter motor to clean it 3 - 4 times and each time it lasts about 3 months until now that left side terminal is totally broken and rotated inside but right side and solenoid still works like it was new.

So to sump up, it took about 7 years in my D2a to die that left terminal contact from the day one.

If you haven't had Click Click hard to start symptom, I bet that it would need years to look for a spare kit.

Mine went from fine to click-click in 2 weeks.
Nothing to do with the supply lead though.

Originally Posted by Tombie

So you’ve added the tools to your shopping list for next time

Actually no. Sadly I'm not expecting the old girl to be rolling at 700000 km.
However if my repair ends up as a failure I will surely get the good tools!