Starter Troubleshooting

Recently the starter won't turn on occasion, but after a few clicks of the
key the starter works. But it's getting worse, especially when the engine
is warm, and left me standing at the gas station yesterday, where 3 nice
guys gave me a push. Fortunately the '96 SL2 is a five-speed. Battery is
OK; I checked it and put a big load on it to make sure it had plenty of
cranking amps and voltage.

I tried a while ago and she started. I suspect the solenoid or the starter
contacts. I can hear the solenoid clicking, though. A mechanic said to
suspect the contacts, which he said are a little like the brushes on older
starter motors but are copper instead of carbon. He says they are cheap to
replace and I am a little tight for funds at the moment and don't want to
buy a new starter. Could somebody give me a little steer on this problem?
I'd hate to get stranded again.

Also I slid underneath the car and found 2 metric bolts fastening the Valeo
starter (made in France, it says) to the engine block, in addition to the
wiring. One bolt is up, one down. Is this correct?

Thanks in advance. I'll keep ramps and tools in the car and leave it parked
on the ramps until I get it fixed. 101k miles on this car and this is the
first sign of trouble. I have really enjoyed the dependability and 38 mpg
gas mileage of this little baby.

 

Clean your battery post and check the wire going from the battery to the
starter.