Click click but no start!

[onlybayinthevillage]

Took the van for a run today after two weeks of standing in the snow & ice. Started ok on the drive but in B&Q car park about 5 miles away (another story there as i went to get some moisture absorbing pads for the damp) it would only click when i turned the key and not fire up. 30 mins later and after a lot of attempts it started.
She has been temperamental before, but always started after a couple of goes.
What is wrong? Starter motor maybe?

 

[69rhdpanel]

I've been having this problem over the cold months in my beetle. It's the starter "sticking".
I have had to get someone to turn the key as I hit the starter with a spanner from under the car. Get the starter reconditioned, I have one waiting to be fitted so I best fit it!

 

[onlybayinthevillage]

What about the starter bush in the gear box? I read somewhere that this may cause the problem.
Anyone know?

 

[Araon]

Starter, bush or wiring or a mixture of any / all three.

start by going through the wiring cleaning connectors and greasing.

 

[sparkywig]

Sounds like the starter solenoid sticking.

 

[bac2ba6]

just another option which had me swearing for ages to find and used to make my bus a sod to start sometimes especially after a short run but if your running a stock T/P engine check the fuel shut off solenoid on the side of the carb as i had one that was a bit iffy sometimes it worked and others it didnt , changed that after going through a whole load of stuff :roll: and cured the problem

 

[dubselector]

Sounds like you starter motor is worn out. Next time it doesnt turn over try putting the van in top gear and rocking it backwards and forwards, this should turn the motor enough to get it off any dead spot on the armature. My van did this for a while until the motor failed alltogether. Had my original Bosch starter refurbed but would have been cheaper to replace it ! This guy is worth a look if you need a replacement.
http://www.volksgoods.co.uk/index.php" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

 

[onlybayinthevillage]

Thanks to all that replied. There's plenty here to keep me going when the weather warms up!

 

[Jay71]

**** it with a hammer while someone turns the key My bus stalled in traffic in the middle lane of the M4....aaarrrgh.... then just click click...whipped out the hammer from under the seat, got the mrs to turn the key while I quickly shot under the bus and gave her sharp tap and we were off...new starter motor fitted when we got home