mid 80's diesel starter solenoid

[Lriwater]

Hello,
I have a 2.5 liter diesel out of a mid 80's Defender with a starter solenoid that has bad contacts. I have searched for a new solenoid, and the prices are in the $200-300 range! Can I:
Install a separate external relay that does the same job, or
Find just the new contacts, or
For $300 I could have the contacts custom made?
Cheers,
Chuck

 

[KevinNY]

A good auto electric shop should have no problem rebuilding it for you. My local shop rebuilt my Daihatsu starter no problem.

 

[JSQ]

A good auto electric shop should have no problem rebuilding it for you. My local shop rebuilt my Daihatsu starter no problem.

second that.

I have the 2.5NA, there is nothing unconventional about the starter.
Go get it rebuilt.

 

[antichrist]

If I'm not mistaken, that solenoid actuates the bendix before the starter rotates, so no, an external solenoid wouldn't work. But if you've been pricing them from rover parts places, like others said try an auotmotive electrical shop. They can probably get the solenoid, or fix it, for much less.