Bad Starter?

[schmeal]

I have a Mahindra 2615 (bought it in 2007, so probably a 2006/2007). Went to start it last week it was "cold" for North LA, turned it on, waiting for my glow plug indicator, turned the key, tried to start, turn over, but doesn't start (does this when it is cold, all the time), turn the key off, then turn it back on and it normally starts right up. This time, I don't think I waited for the starter to completely disengage, and turned the key and heard a loud pop and now nothing. No power at all. Checked the battery and all fuses with the multimeter, and they are good.

So maybe a bad starter? Anyway to test it before buying a new one (which looks to be around $200?) I have some basic mechanic skils., oil changes, belt changes, etc is about my skill set, so any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[HamishMacCheap]

My mechanical skill set is about the same as yours but could you remove the starter and do a bench test? Put power to the positive and negative posts. If it is in fact a bad starter, do auto electric shops still exist which may be able to rebuild the starter? In today's throw away society, you can't seem to find radiator shops and such but if you do find the starter to be bad, a rebuild might be more economical than purchasing a new starter.

Good luck in resolving the issue.