My starter was spinning but not engaging with the flywheel, running it on the bench it isnt throwing the full length of the shaft (and the distance it moves is less than the length of the toothed wheel so it would never be able to engage and disengage properly). Any thoughts on what the problem is? Is it something I'm likely to be able to fix or is it worth just getting a new one?

Thanks
Hugh

Can't offer any helpmate but i have exactly the same problem with mine and this is after i had it fully refurbed!, i'm getting another one to see if its any better.

Is it gummed up with clutch dust? Might be worh soaking the end in petrol overnight and firing it up on the bench a few times tomorrow.

is it the correct one ?? you may have the 1.8 CVH one that people use on the zetec. This is shorter than the 1.6 and 2 litre pinto ones I bekieve

I've just fixed it. The plunger in the solenoid was just sat against the lever and not hooked around it. It now throws the full distance, hurrah

how come your messing about with your starter when you should have been at Brands Hatch watching th 750 series seeing as your so local

Because Im utterly fed up with my car being in the garage not running while we've got this nice weather...