Which Sterter Solenoid?, Looking to remedy the infamous hot-start issue Options

[JDW914]

Hi all! I recently took my first long road trip in my 914 (700 mi round trip out to Peoria, IL to finally pick up a replacement windshield) and while the car performed beautifully, I had my first encounter with what I've learned is the "infamous hot-start issue." Happily I was caravanning and, when unable to find a clear reason as to the car's failing to start after a pit stop for lunch, we tried jumping it, assuming the battery had gone bad, which resulted in enough current to pop the solenoid and start it up. This was necessary a few times during the trip. While it has never caused me trouble before (I've been driving the car pretty regularly for 2 years since its restoration has been "finished") I'd prefer to remove the issue so that it doesn't come back to bite me, especially now that the car has proven itself as such a good road-tripper.

Now in my research since encountering the issue, I've found much documentation of the issue and its solutions, in particular a Ford starter solenoid or a Bosch hot start relay kit. I'd like to go about it with the replacement starter solenoid as this seems a simple and straight-forward enough change-out, however, I've not been able to determine what solenoid it is in particular that will fit into an old VW starter motor. Is there a particular part number or set of models/years that use it, or does Ford have enough standardisation that any old solenoid will work?

Thanks for any enlightenment you can provide!

[rick 918-S]

I chased that rabbit down the hole. Here's what I ended up doing. BTW: Thanks to Ed Morrow the best long distance trouble shooter ever! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/pray.gif)

Finished up Sandy's car last year in time to drive to Moab for the RRC. Starter failed on the way home. It was fall so we put the car away until spring. Spring rolls around and I put a starter in from Orielly's. and headed for the Route 66 event in Palm Springs. Starter failed as I neared Vegas or... so I thought. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif) Stopped in Vegas and picked up a warrantee starter and changed it. Worked for the weekend. Failed in PS. Left the car there and flew home. Came back a month later and picked up the car and it started. Got the WCR and it quit again. worked off and on all weekend and for the drive home.

Thought I just got a bad starter again. Picked up a Bosch re-man and swapped out the Orielly's unit. Worked but barely. Added a hot start solenoid, No Joy.

Called Ed, he say's take a jumper cable and connect it from your negative post to the starter. WHAM!!! it starts like new!

Cables were factory and looked clean and nice. Cali car with clean grounds, New braided ground strap.

I replaced the negative cable to the body and the starter still didn't work. I then replaced the positive cable and WHAM! perfect!

So my advise, Before changing anything us the "ED" test method! Then change the cables first, not last!