Hi torque starter, Not working Options

[ruby914]

I went to start the car after removing the motor for 6 months and the starter did nothing. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)
I pulled it apart and can't understand how it works.
I put 12V direct to the main power buss and negative battery lead to the smaller plug and nothing.
If I move the 12V battery lead to the other side of the starter, to the main lead that goes to the motor, the Solenoid kicks out just fine.
If I move the negative lead to the starter body, the motor turns just fine.

The part I don't understand is that the main power lead goes to the "Solenoid switch contact" but nothing else. That's a dead end unless the solenoid is activated.
So what activates the solenoid?

I found this thread with lots of photos but no answer http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=384710

[r_towle]

main power lead goes to the main large power bolt on the solenoid.
Ground it the body of the starter.
Solenoid gets activated (triggered) by the yellow wire coming from the ignition switch.

To bench test, put ground on the body.
Put power on the large main power stud.
jumper power to the small trigger (typically a spade plug)

that will trigger the relay to run the main power through the solenoid and spin the starter.

Rich