Starter solenoid rebuild?

[Tiiconaut]

Hi, the only way i can start my van is by crossing the starter solenoid with a jumper wire, and VROOOM! it starts up quickly everytime. ive already replaced the ignition switch 2 times, so i think my problem is really the starter solenoid. can i just remove it and replace the starter solenoid or do i have to buy a complete starter?

thanks!

Phil 84 Westy Tiico'ed

[tencentlife]

Check voltage drops on your main starter cable. Check the cable connectors at starter and at battery very carefully. Check engine and tranny ground straps. Check battery connections, including ground strap between battery and frame.

This has been covered exhaustively before. Try a search for "starter cables".
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[FNGRUVN]

I just went through the same thing with mine. Check to see if you have 12v on the solenoid coil wire when the key is in the start position. If you do have 12v there and the starter will work when you jump from the battery side to the load side of the main terminals, then your solenoid is bad. The only practical way to fix it is to buy a new starter. One of two things is probably wrong with your solenoid. The coil winds are broken or the contacts aren't making a connection. You can bench test it by applying 12v to the coil terminal and ground the starter. If the coil is good, you should here a click or clunk. If you put an ohm meter across the main terminals it should read zero ohms. If no click or clunk it will read infinity and the coil is kaput.