<VV> Starter issue ~ used-but-good solenoids ?

[Joel McGregor]

Solenoids are super easy to change but he needs a bendix/lever so it would be a waste of time.  Solenoids are available at your local auto parts store but the bendix is a Corvair only part I believe.  The solenoid is the same one used on all older small blocks and many other GM starters for years.  My experience is that most new solenoids are garbage.  It's been very difficult for me to find good ones locally.  I did find a local rebuilder that sold a "heavy duty" one that worked well but he's gone now.  I'm sure the vendors would know which ones are good and sell them.
I haven't had too many starter motors go bad on Corvairs but I have had a few.
I would rate failures in the following order:
1) solenoid
2) bushings & brushes
3) bendix
4) armature or windings
YMMV
Joel McGregor

Clark's solenoid:  http://www.corvair.com/user-cgi/search.cgi?part=C191
________________________________________
From: VirtualVairs [virtualvairs-bounces at corvair.org] on behalf of Charlie via VirtualVairs [virtualvairs at corvair.org]
Sent: Thursday, November 20, 2014 1:57 PM
To: 'Virtual Vairs'
Subject: <VV> Starter issue ~ used-but-good solenoids ?

It me be easier swapping out the whole starter than the solenoid, just more
expensive, which is probably why the cheaper solenoid is not available
separately?

Typically paying a mechanic $100 an hour to disassemble it to install the
solenoid would quickly eat up any savings that reusing the starter motor
might save.

However, on a DIY job, it's YOUR time and YOUR money, so maybe used-but-good
solenoids in our parts bins are the cheaper route to take?

Just curious but how often does the actual starter motor go bad?

Just my opinion, and I never leave home without it ;>~}

Charlie