Jury rigging Solenoid contacts on '85 gear reduction starter

[jeff.built]

I have what seems to be bad solenoid contacts on my starter. Makes a single tink when turning the key and ranges from 1 to 20 times before finally engages to start the engine. I cleaned all the cable connections and actually ordered a rebuilt replacement for simplicity's sake. 2 separate part #'s with one being direct drive and the other gear reduction. Didn't know how to determine so ordered one each from Pep Boys. Both came in and looked identical from housing, gear and tip, and small solenoid. ONe even matched my part number (16612) which I only determined after pulling mine. Took the cheaper of the two and only realized once I pulled mine that the noses were different. The Pep Boys both had a shroud that extends beyond the gear on the starter. Mine is open with the gear being the longest point of the starter. I couldn't imagine that the two designs were interchangeable so returned the starter.

Question 1: Does anybody know with certainty that the two different nose styles are interchangeable?

Normally I'm not rushed for time on working on the car, not a daily driver, but it's due back Wednesday for a emissions test. They always make you shut off the engine and then restart it. I fear an endless stream of tinks with having to push the car out of the bay with my test undone!

I've read the discussion regarding the contact on the solenoid and plan on giving that a try. If I can get the proper part then I can try it tomorrow. Does anyone have a part number or suggestions where to buy one retail? My other thought is wondering if opening it up and doing something short term will help. Can the contact be reversed, cleaned up, bolstered with sheet copper, exchanged with the other side, with a good expectation of it working, at least short term?

Thanks

[TURTCEL]

The style you have is a gear reduction type starter...the exposed gear is the give away. Gear reduction starters are usually only found on manual transmission applications. The starter with the nose cone is a direct drive style and is usually found on automatic transmission applications.

They are absolutely not interchanable in every case I have every run in to. I worked in the automotive industry for 12 years and not once did I see where these starters could be interchanged, domestic or foreign applications.

Where are you located? Pep Boys is a West Coast parts chain isn't it? I can help locate one for you if you give me you city/state or zip code. The parts houses require zip code to show if the parts store in that area stocks the part or not. What is the exact application of you vehicle? All I see is '85 hatch. I am guessing it is an '85 2 door hatch back but what type of trans is it?

I have had good luck looking on line at my local parts houses to find in stock parts before making a trip to town or having to make a bunch of phone calls.

Peace

[jeff.built]

Thanks for the response. Car is actually a 4 door hatchback, 2 wheel drive, manual trans. Pep Boys looks to be coast to coast but I'm on the east coast in the DC area (21701). Pep Boys is not known for their competence but when they offered to transfer both in, I figured it would work with one of them. They never asked about transmission type and both starters had the automatic style nose cone on them. I am checking locally today but worst case I'll just order one from RockAuto. The contact repair sounds like more than a quickie fix (for me at least) so will have to wait for a less pressing time.

[TURTCEL]

I have the day off today, I will do so digging for you. I live in Twin Falls, Idaho so all my research will be on line.

I used to live in VA Beach for about a year. I never made it to D.C. but I was close.

I will see what I can find for you.

Peace

[TURTCEL]

Hey jeff.built,

I just called all the parts stores in your area after checking on line first. The Pep Boys starter on line shows a pic of a gear reduction style for a 16612 part number...wonder if it was misboxed.

All stores could not get it for a week except Autozone. If you order it soon they can have it this afternoon or by tomorrow if you order it later today. It is 67.99 plus 15 core. Talk to Guy or Dale. 301-624-0010.

I just talked with them about 10 mins ago. I truly called every auto parts store and checked their locater system for you. Good luck and I hope this helps.

Peace