Quote:
Originally posted by philinjax
If using the screwdriver starting technique, solenoid to the battery wire, works everytime then the solenoid is not the problem.
Phil
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I beg to differ by experience. Many times I have been able to start my old 914, many VW's, my 911, and SBC Chevys with a screwdriver, when it had a worn out solenoid.
Using the screwdriver bypasses the distance of the wires going to the ignition switch and back. This cuts down the resistance and allows the solenoid to operate, however, the contacts on the solenoid will still have corrosion built up.
The hot start relay is supposed to provide more power to the solenoid to overcome the resistance in the wires. Decreasing the resistance in the wires is a stop gap measure if the solenoid contacts are corroded, however it will eventually need to be replaced.
To fix, remove the starter, then remove the solenoid on top. You'll have to play with it a bit, but it's pretty easy once you understand how the mechanism works. Once you remove the solenoid, you can open it up and look at the contacts inside. They will most likely be corroded. In the case of some of them, you can clean up the contacts with emory paper, and you're good to go.
It's also not a bad idea to run an aux. ground strap from the mounting hole of the strarter to the frame. Also check how much resistance is in the circuit for the key switch, and clean the terminals on the board in the engine compartment. The ignition wire is yellow. I had to replace a section of wire in one 914, but used thicker gauge.