[Vwdiesel] OT: starter solenoid 94 Pathfinder question

[McCanless, James]

I don't have finite solution but only a little advice. I have a vehicle
with a permanent magnet starter that I replace and got the lifetime
warranty. I replaced it last fall and mentioned that I tried to "tap" it
with a hammer and the gentleman behind the counter said that while that
worked on the old style starters it is highly prohibited on the
permanent magnet starters. He said it could crack the magnet and render
the starter unable to be rebuilt. Just some thoughts.

Troy

-----Original Message-----
From: vwdiesel-bounces at vwfans.com [mailto:vwdiesel-bounces at vwfans.com]
On Behalf Of Smith, Michael
Sent: Wednesday, January 26, 2005 7:44 AM
To: 'vwdiesel at vwfans.com'
Subject: [Vwdiesel] OT: starter solenoid 94 Pathfinder question

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
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