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[loadsalandys]

Oh dear. Now if you have a new starter and a new battery, and the new solenoid clicks when it is activated, then surely it can only be a dodgy contact problem?

In which case if it started first time showing that you have connected it up right, then it won't the second time, this is because a contact is loose and has arced or something preventing a second good contact.

The fact that the terminal in the previous solenoid was loose suggests that that was probably knackered as you suggest, so take heart there. It may have overheated due to contact problems inside.

Just make sure that the main positive connection straight from battery to solenoid is tight both ends and that the actual ring connector on the end of the wire is actually contacting the wire and is not making a dry joint, and not corroded.

I assume that the audible click is actually the solenoid and not a starter relay, suggesting that the solenoid actuating wire may be at fault?

You could then run a wire direct from battery or just a loop from the big positive solenoid connection to the solenoid actuating terminal on the solenoid directly to check the solenoid is working.

Otherwise make sure the earth is working. I think mine has an earth strap from the cylinder head at the back where you can't see it, to the body. A direct earth from engine to battery is always better than battery to body and body to engine. You could try a jump lead from the engine to the battery negative just to check continuity. Certainly it is worth installing another earth of some size to assist in any case. There have been instances of accelerator cables burning out where bad main earths have been evident,due to this being the only route to earth left, so give your cable a feel to make sure it is not getting hot!!

Good luck.