.After sitting a couple months the gear drive mini starter in my roadster wouldn’t engage.  It wasn’t the battery or the ignition switch.  I’m out of town with minimal tools and no jack or jack stands, and no room to store them.  So I have a rollback take the car to a well recommended shop.  They pull the belly pan, header and starter.  Found the solenoid contacts bad and replaced them.  Today I run down to the gas station, 5.4 miles, 75 degrees, shut it down and put gas in.  Won’t start.  Poured water over the starter/solenoid (had heat problems on other cars).  No good.  1 1/2hours later I get the car rolled off at the shop and damn if it doesn’t start.  Now what?

The shop had parts for that starter which I bought back in 2006 or so, so they’re a problem.  I know I didn’t buy it from JM, but it appears to be the one he lists as “not available”.  I think I know why.

i don’t have clearance for a stock starter, and I know there’s been discussion here about them but I can’t find it under the search function.  Who’s using which mini gear drive without problems?

Thanks for towing insurance. And thanks for your help.

miker
55 bird, 32 cabrio F code
Kent, WA
Tucson, AZ