change out solenoid

[glotman]

Hey, is there anybody out there? Has anyone ever tried to change just the solenoid while the starter is still installed on the car?
Mine has a flakey solenoid, I have a good one, but I never tried to change just the solenoid. Anybody who has ever done a starter on one of these knows why I want to do only the solenoid, if its possible
Thanks,
Geoff

[glotman]

OK, so theres nobody out there. so, feeling slightly silly, I answer my own question, again.
Its theoretically possible to change the solonoid while the starter is installed, all thats holding it in is 3 screws, and the electrical connections. but the 3 screws are really tight, I had to remove the starter and get the screws with an impact hammer.
The quality of rebuilt parts is really spotty. The original starter goes 185000 miles, and 2 rebuilts cant go 2 years between em. the first 1 stopped engaging the flywheel, the 2nd had the bad solonoid. so I took the solonoid from the first one, we'll see how long this lasts
G

[gofast88635]

Theres someone here!! My 320 is my daily driver 80 miles round trip. I have been through a few starters, as I have been thru a few alternators the past few years. Alternators are from Auto Zone and usually give up before warranty has expired. Starters I pick up various places used. There is a guy in my small town that is supposed to be a wiz at rebuilding starters that I will give a try next. Sorry not much help.

[Joe Ira]

You can get to the starter a whole lot easier if you take off the little fuel heater on the side of the engine. I think there is a 17mm bolt that holds it to the block (if you don't have any allen wrenche sockets to remove it from the bracket.) It is also easier if you can get the support rod attached to the air intake out of the way. I'm pretty sure the starter has to come off to get to the solenoid bolts. Good Luck!
J