I was always of the impression it was a wearing solenoid when smacking
fixed the problem.

I have this same issue intermittently with my syncro. It sucks.

-Craig

On 7/25/12, David Bjorkman <ddbjorkman@verizon.net> wrote:
> Are you saying the problem is with the solenoid and not brushes wearing
> out?� I was under the impression that having to whack the starter was
> because the carbon blocks were getting hung up or worn out.
> What do you think?
>
> Dave B.
>
>
> On 07/24/12, Aaron<a.robinson.lists@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
>
> I've been able to use the gear lever while turning the key. I'd turn key
> with left hand and hold it in the start position while moving the shifter
> from 1 to 2 quickly. That was be enough to loosen then solenoid. I
> eventually I removed the starter, then cleaned up the solenoid and it is
> still fine 10 years later.
>
> On Jul 24, 2012, at 9:15 AM, Mike wrote:
>
>> When I had to occasionally whack the starter on my '85, I used a
>> broomstick through the wheelwell. Didn't have to get dirty that way and
>> it worked perfectly.
>>
>> Mike
>