my yr2000 transit 2.4 td wont start without bumping been told by one garage its my starter motor (fly and clutch) then another mechanic says its electrical the rapid clicking does nt sound like a solenoid anyone had the same problem

paul, March 2011

Flat battery can cause rapid clicking as can poor connections. If battery ok-
Remove and clean up earth connections and remove paint from around connection.
1 in battery box.
1 on N/S chassis rail (Remove even if it looks ok)
1 on starter bolt.
Check and clean live terminals on starter and jump lead connection under bonnet next to fuse box.
Could also be a fault on starter but do connections first.
DO NOT BUMP START. CAN CAUSE TIMING CHAIN TO SLIP........ apparently.

123, March 2011

ok thanks what now though how do i fix it ? is it easy enough ?

paul, March 2011

Probably a bad earth. The solenoid clicks on and off repeatedly as it loses power due to the starter motor taking it all. Use a jump lead from Neg terminal direct to engine block to prove.

mags, March 2011