I actually did bang the hell out of the solenoid both while with the key in the ignition position and off of it. I did wait for the car to cool too and that didnt work. If iam hearing it click doesnt that mean the solenoid is engaging? i know the pin inside the solenoid is supposed to strike a brass contact, is it possible that this is bad? How can I positiveley identify the starter as the source of the problem. I have heard of people running a wire from the solenoid to the positive terminal of the baterry or using a screwdriver.

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1983 300SD White with Grey interior