[Vwdiesel] OT: starter solenoid 94 Pathfinder question

[Smith, Michael]

Anyone ever heard tell of a situation like this: (?)

Go to start my 94 Pathfinder 3.0 L V6 automatic and solenoid (as best as I
can tell) just kinda gives a whimper/whine...sometimes a faint click.
Basically the starter is not even TRYING to turn.  Whack it with a long
screwdriver/hammer and no change. Boosting and swapping batteries does
not help.  Monitoring voltage in-cab sees a big voltage drop. (from 13vdc to
9 or 10vdc....) Starter itself was rebuilt 12 months ago.  

Now...if I put my HD heat gun onto it for 5 minutes, truck will start right
up...by just barely touching the key.

I thought perhaps some moisture in there?  .....but I drove it 30-40 miles
(dry day, no precip) down to the autoparts store the other day, came out 5
hours later and
same thing....slight whine and nothing.

Temps here are (-15*)-->>>(-25*C)

Time for a new solenoid switch I guess? Or is it the starter?  It's nearly
impossible to get to.  Beside the exhaust manifold....Even from underneath
there's not much room.  Certainly a job for the boys @ the shop with a
hoist, etc.

Mike in NB......now back to our regularly scheduled diesel program...clatter
clatter