Hi folks,

After more testing, it did turn out to be a bad solenoid. Thanks to all who
wrote in, and especially NYC listee Harry Rosenblum. He turned me onto a
alternator/starter rebuilder close by who didn't have one in stock, but
rebuilt mine in 3hrs. "Bravo", I say. It looks and behaves like new, and he
even gave me a new bushing and talked me through the replacement. Thoughtful
and decent guy, here's the contact for his business:

Patterson Battery, Inc.
371 Union Ave (@ powers st)
Brooklyn, NY 11211
718-782-7360
Mike Patterson's the owner, and the guy behind the counter.

As far as the sense in my approach to fixes, well, there may not be much.
Usually it's based on trying to get how and why thing work (and don't),
figuring that can't hurt, combined with almost always having less cash then
time. Heck, I got two lucky years of daily driving on the starter hack I did
before, so it may be good for something, maybe.

Best,

Matt Sutton
88 GL 4spd
Brooklyn NY