yes, but the  'solenoid' is a round relay ........with a moving center core
......
that does a mechanical job also .........pulling the drive gear into
engagement .....
and yes, it is a 'relay' as far as the starter motor contacts are concerned.

personally .......I like to ask the poster why are they asking ......
like what actual problem or symptom are they trying to fix ..........?

maybe it's a trick question, and the answer is :
"The starter relay for an 86 Syncro is on the shelf at the parts supplier, "

..............unless someone already installed one somewhere on the van,
and it's not like there's all kinds of room right by the starter on a syncro
to put the relay anyway.

maybe he has a weak ignition switch - fairly common as most everyone knows.

----- Original Message -----
From: "pdooley" <psdooley@VERIZON.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Tuesday, July 14, 2009 7:59 PM
Subject: Re: Starter Relay on Syncro 86

> Technically, the solenoid is the relay. :)
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
> Dennis Haynes
> Sent: Tuesday, July 14, 2009 8:05 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: Starter Relay on Syncro 86
>
> Why do you think you have one?
> The key operates the starter solenoid directly unless someone added a
> relay.
>
>
> Dennis
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
> matthew
> Sent: Tuesday, July 14, 2009 1:02 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Starter Relay on syncro 86
>
> Where is the starter relay on an 86 syncro.