96 T&C starter (3.8L)

More precisely, the solenoid *contacts*.

Better: The solenoid *contacts* are replaceable items. See here:

Sorry, the solenoid is not replaceable.

The contacts inside however, *are* replaceable. The contacts are 29 and 39 cents apiece, and are available here;

Thanks Daniel and aarcuda69062. This is even better than I thought. I used the term "solenoid" as the last couple of repairs I have done like this (over many years) had the contacts sealed inside the solenoid housing.

Of course, if I don't have to change the electromagnet itself (which, aside from the contacts, should last about 100 years), then I am certainly a happy camper.

There is always a downside....probably have to pull the engine to get to the starter.

Again...thanks for the help.

Ken

Nope. The 3.3 / 3.8 starters are very easy to remove.

My pleasure.

Better than that, all you need are the two solenoid contacts (about $8 at an alternator repair house) and possibly the plunger contact disk (about the same price). Plus an hour of your time to R&R the starter and replace the contacts, although some folks replace the contacts with the starter still installed in the vehicle.

You're making my day here, Steve. Thanks.

Ken

Usually, anyway. Sometimes one runs into the steel bolt/aluminum housing thing, but it's usually nothing a little muscle and the proper tools can't solve.

Fortunately, Walter, this type of corrosive activity is considerably less here in the SF Bay area. I just bought a second hand car for one of my daughters and had to change the catalytic converter. The car came from "back East" and I forgot how nasty rust can be, having been spoiled by relatively corrosion free climates for the past 25 years.

You're right ... I hadn't considered that some places aren't the NorthEast part of the country where rust and corrosion rules. It does get pretty nasty sometimes, though... the rust, I mean.