Gary,

the starter came with the solenoid attached. I hope to god I can just
replace the solenoid.

I bench tested it again this morning. I found some socket head cap screws to
fit and reassembled starter to the  solenoid (had to drill out original
screws). Won't even click now. But if I remove the spring that is in the
solenoid (goes between the plunger/piston and the brass switch at base of
solenoid) then the system works. The spring functions, I think, to force the
plunger back out which in turn, via the throw-out arm, tracts the bendix.

I am assuming the winding in the solenoid have lost their ooomph and can't
over come the spring tension.

Alistair

> From: gary hradek <hradek@YAHOO.COM>
> Reply-To: gary hradek <hradek@YAHOO.COM>
> Date: Fri, 17 May 2002 08:21:38 -0700
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: starter solenoid heads south
>
> Alistair,
> I have yet to replace the starter but I
> thought in these times you get the solenoid with the
> starter.   Has anyone bought a starter from ron or ken
> and do they ship the solenoid  with the starter or is
> that extra?   thanks gary