Starter Solenoid, I have been through 4 and counting! Options

[ctc911ctc]

1974 2.0 - 24Kmiles
All stock

I received the car in late 2018, pulled from a garage in RI. Sat in the garage since 1986/88

The starter in the car was original. We removed near everything in the car, super cleaned and welded, put it all back together, and also bought a new starter. The new starter would not work right - clicked but no turn - so we put the original back in. Ran great.

Then the original started to fail (seemed like the copper wire from solenoid to motor had degenerated so we bought a 3rd. This one would not work so I returned it and got another. It worked great for a month and now this one clicks but the motor does not turn. Had to jump it with a screwdriver. Which though dangerous - works great!

At this point, over 2 years, I have 4 failed starters. One is 46 years old, the others are rebuilt (2) and new 1.

Which way would you go from here?

Another new OEM? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blink.gif)
Another rebuilt???? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/barf.gif)
Put a relay in parallel with the Solenoid? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smash.gif)
Get the super fancy Porche High Torque starter? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/first.gif)
Always park on a hill (facing downhill of course). (IMG:style_emoticons/default/lol-2.gif)

[ctc911ctc]

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****LAST UPDATE******
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I was tired of working on things in the engine bay and then going to the cab and turning the key, or having to get someone to work with me being the 'key-turner'. I do have a detachable solenoid jumper box, though to use it I have to crawl under the car and get the clips attached......UGH

So on a whim, I installed a momentary button Switch.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B088PNQDP...=UTF8&psc=1

I put this in parallel with the ignition switch (electrically) and installed it at the downspout attachment point on the driver's side. The wires attach through the engine tin at the starter Solenoid:



I did not hook the back-lit LED to the ignition power yet - will do that as the next step.

Works great - push the button and the car cranks!
Turn on the ignition and push the button and the engine starts!
Yea, Murphy is lurking in the shadows, I know about the risks and they are all mine.