Do starter motors get old?

[CXRAndy]

Using a digital meter. set to DC volts. Place one lead on the engine metal part and the other on the battery negative. It should read a few millivolts or less than half a volt when the car is running or cranking.

The slight more difficult test is to check the voltage across the positive feed to the starter motor. you connect one lead to positive terminal on the battery and the other to the big connection on the starter. You need to be able to see the digital display as you start the car. Observe the voltage whilst cranking. again this should be way less than 0.5 Volts.

 

[Bristolian]

I really don't know. Would such a thing be easy to find/identify?

The main earth/ground is normally a flat, braided or thick round cable attached to the engine block and one end and the vehicle body/chassis at the other. Just Google for engine earth strap and you'll see pictures of what to look for.

 

[lazybloke]

Never had a problem with this starter motor

 

[gbb]

Check all the wiring and clean all the terminals. If that doesn't work, check the voltage at the motor terminals whilst the motor is running. If it's low, check the battery voltage whilst the motor's running, and if that's ok, check the solenoid contacts.

As Presta says, it's very important to check the voltage as the starter motor is turning.
The battery may well indicate good voltage when there's no load on it but may be incapable of delivering the power required once the starter motor calls .
This is the time of year when the temps start dropping and weak batteries (previously ok in milder temps) quickly get found out. Batteries don't perform well in the cold.

 

[CXRAndy]

Never had a problem with this starter motor
View attachment 748302

Ah the renowned thumb breaker