No disrespect mate but think about it, 2 starters and still the same problem. Your mate checked them both and they were ok.
Now in all the workshops I have worked and even when I was running my own. If a customer came in and wanted his car to start, I would sell him a starter and at the same time fit a relay even though all he needed was a relay. Why make $10 when you can make $40?
You yourself even pointed out the switch stuffs up. Oh well.

problems all fixed, cost me $240. Put a new starter motor in, and relay. Also found that if u turn the key full on start it wont go, just push it past ON and she starts first kick. Got a hand from an auto electrican up the road. The starter motor was stuffed. Also there was apparently a massive voltage drop some where in the starting circuit. Shes all sorted now and im all smiles

Quote:
So is the engine turning over or just the starter?

Check ignition switch by putting a testlight or multimeter on the start wire that goes to the starter. I would check it at the starter with the wire still connected. Turn the key 20 or so times and see if the testlight lights up even when the starter fails.

Is it a job for an Auto Electrician? No I would say anyone who can stop and think about how it should work can do it. I am sure even your mechanic wizz could do it. He just has to stop and think this time.

how do you check the ignition switch is sending power to the solenoid???
Yes when the spanner is touched on the solenoid its bridging the points and turning over.
We did a bench test on them aswell. would this be more a job for an auto electricion???

Quote:
lol 2 starters doing the same thing but yet he strips them both down to find a problem. OK
I would check the ignition switch is sending power to the solenoid when the key is in the start position.
When you use a spanner on the starter is the drive engaging and the engine turning over? If yes, 100% not the starter. I ask this because I dont know how you are operating the starter with the spanner. You could be just bridging the studs on the starter and the starter spins or you could be bridging power to the start terminal and the drive throws out and the starter operates like it should.
My bets on the ignition switch and a relay will fix it unless the switches contacts are ratshit.

dont overlook your ignition switch....you might even need a starter relay because of volt drop down to the solenoid..strange both starters are at fault.. did you guys bench test them before fitting????

my starter motor has been playin up lately, like startin when it wants and carryin on as i have explained before so i toak the old starter of and put a difrent one on from a 120y. Still tha same problem. Went 2 the smartest mechanic i know, my next door neighbour. He stripped both of them right down and redone them and then put either back on. The problem was nt any better, infact worse. It wont even kick over at all. But if you put a spanner between the 2 points on the solid she kicks over like nobodys business. This is point out that my solenid is stuffed????.I think i may just go buy a whole new set up. please help. thanks