Dead Jimny Northern Ireland

Really need your help folks.
My wifes Jimny died last week. We live in Northern Ireland.
Over the last 4 months it had developed a starting fault when cold.
We had the battery replaced and new plugs fitted but there was still a "cough" before she would spring into life. We always had this sinking feeling that there is an underlying fault (120,000 miles).
So last week (very cold) she wouldn't start - sounds like the starter is knackered or she is getting no fuel...
I phoned a local mechanic (very close to home). He came round said it should be no problem and took the Jimny back to the workshop.
A week later nothing has happened. He has removed the starter motor which was burnt out and has tried to replace it with 3 different starters - none of which have fitted. He has now ordered a 4th one.
I'm not sure we are going to get the Jimny back fixed - is there anyone out there in Northern Ireland who can help or someone that could recommend what to do next? I know that there may be a bigger issue than just fitting the correct starter so would really appreciate help from someone who knows what they are doing. Thanks in advance.

2008 Suzuki Jimny JLX Plus
1.3 Petrol
M13A-2057610
VIN JSAFJB43V00356813

It shouldn't be a problem for a professional workshop to source and install a starter motor, I can't see why it takes 4 goes to get it right. Be cautious it sounds fishy to me.

That sounds bad.

Why not have the starter rebuilt? Would have thought it would take a day or two tops and then pop the reconditioned starter back in.

Yeah. I'm not sure why the ordered starters dont fit which is why Im hoping for some good advice or recommendations on here for an alternative.

He said the starter taken out cant be refurbished - no one does that any more.

Any jimny friendly experts in NI?

Hopefully, someone will be along soon that knows the area.

Meantime I reckon your man might be pulling your leg, or doesn’t know or doesn’t want to know.

Don't know how far these are from you - might be worth a call.

www.mcnabbautoelectrics.co.uk/

www.rotatingelectrics.co.uk/products/category/63/starter-parts

Thank you.
Still waiting on the local garage...
Will see what happens next week. Might need to check out those two links. Thanks.
Will post the outcome here...

Still looking NI Jimny expert for help.

Got a report back.
New starter fitted, working 100%. Getting spark and fuel. Jimny will not fire up.
The engine is backfiring through the air box.
Has any one else experienced a starting fault with these symptoms? What should we be looking for? Is it a timing issue? Sensor? Mechanical?

In the mean time we are getting a compression test done to see if that shows up anything...

Any help greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Sounds sensor ish to me cam or crank? cheap enough to swap. Is it giving any codes?

Can your mechanic run a diagnostic and check any fault codes? Interestingly mine had a misfire and a faulty crank sensor and a vacuum leak that was not causing a fault code.

I'm not 100% sure since I know more about diesel, and I may be wrong, it sounds like the spark is being fired at the wrong time which would point me towards either a cam sensor or a crank sensor.

Can anyone else chime in and help, please?

--EDIT -- looks like Lambert's message arrived as I typed mine

Sorry!

Gosh, no need to apologise. Am glad I was also heading in the same direction with my thoughts.

Thanks.
No codes.
What makes me think that it is a sensor is that when she fires up (before breakdown) she will run and drive perfect. Its only intermittent non starter.
Is it worth replacing the sensors with no codes showing?
Thanks for help.