[V8] Starter Question

[Brad Hartman]

1) Vehicle:  1990 V8 (automatic)

2) Problem:  Random starter problem

3) Symptoms:  I try to start the car and, from time to time, instead of the
starter engaging the flywheel and starting the car, it makes a rather
unpleasant noise (along the lines of fingernails on the blackboard).  After
releasing the key, I can hear the starter spinning down and after 5 or so
seconds, it finally slows to a stop.  Unpleasant noise stops, except for my
rather loud cursing, which may also fit into the highly-technical
"unpleasant noise" category.  I try to restart, and, depending on the phase
of the moon, time of day, the dow jones index and whether I have had coffee,
it may repeat (with accompaning unpleasant noise) or finally start the car.

4) Diagnosis:  Is this a very simple case of the highly-popular video
"Solenoids Gone Wild"?

5) If so, should I have both the starter and solenoid replaced, or just the
solenoid?

6) Any idea what reasonable costs for parts and labor are for this job?

7) Any rebuilt parts available for significantly lower costs than new?

Thanks,

Brad Hartman
1990 V8  
Odometer reading:  2,758,922 miles