Land Rover Repair: Discovery start motor over heating, starter solenoid, water road

Question
Hi,
I have a 96 v8 discovery, the start motor won't work after I have driven for some time, usually around 1-2 hours of solid driving. It just doesn't do anything, if I leave it cool for an hour or so it will then start. Or alternatively I have found that the car will start with a push. Is the only solution to replace the starter motor
Thanks Tezza

Answer
Hi Terry,

make sure your battery and alternator are functioning correctly, then take a good look at the starter (or starter solenoid).  

I know that on older Disco's, water can get into the starter & solenoid and start corrosion.  You could remove the starter and on the workbench take it apart and see if this is the case.  I once had to do this and it worked - until the next year when I had to do it again.  Winter's are hard here.

Normally, the starter is used just once and after successfully starting the engine, it's not used until the next time you need it.  SO, if the downpipe (Y pipe) is heating up the starter - you may want to check the heat shield (if you have one).  Otherwise, I can't think of how it would overheat.  

Check the main lead wire to the starter solenoid.  It can become soaked in water, road grime, oil and superfine sand/grit.  I had to splice in a new piece once because of this problem.  Add heat from your exhaust and it might be the cause as well.

Best of luck,
JohnMc