1.6 CTi starting Issues... but not the motor?

[adybatt 1]

Hi all, 1989 1.6 CTi with an intermittent starting issue. Sometimes is fires straight up with one click of the ignition, and it mean not even a hesitation. Other times i hear the click of a relay, an electrical hum (as long as i keep the key held at starting position) but nothing else.

I suspected the starter motor, as this was the only thing not replaced during engine rebuild. Recently replaced with a new valeo unit, but it's still happening. Garage seemed to think i may have been supplied a faulty unit... but i'm still wondering if theres something else going on. 

 

i'm attaching a video of the issue. once it starts doing this, i generally remove the key and have another go, at some point it behaves and fires right up.

 

Does anyone have any guidance on what else i can check?

Many thanks

[PhilNW 40]

Quite common problem, probabaly wire from ignition switch to solenoid is dodgy. put a new one in parallel and isolate old one

Edited April 2 by PhilNW

[adybatt 1]

Thanks for the quick response, Phil. So this is a new live from the ignition switch to the starter motor? Thanks

[welshpug 1,622]

Usually no need to replace it all the way back, only as far as the plugs next to the steering column under the dash