Starter not engaging every start, 1.6

[sgnimj96]

starters motors are actually pretty tough,  the solenoid is what usually goes bad.    They want you to buy the whole thing so solenoids are kind of overpriced and hard to find,  but you can get em online if you search.   Plenty of how-to's just on youtube for testing and fixing starters.

[Heron]

starters motors are actually pretty tough,  the solenoid is what usually goes bad.    They want you to buy the whole thing so solenoids are kind of overpriced and hard to find,  but you can get em online if you search.   Plenty of how-to's just on youtube for testing and fixing starters.

Yes, looked into the solenoid. So far the old starter is working great but may only for a short period.
I thought you would have to utilize special tools to braze the wires correctly and all...I'll look into it further if this starter decides to quit again. Thank you!

[libbydiesel]

The mk4 TDI automatic starter is a readily available bolt-in upgrade starter for the Mk1.

[Heron]

The mk4 TDI automatic starter is a readily available bolt-in upgrade starter for the Mk1.

Thank you for that information. So far the old starter is working fine but it may be short lived.

[RustyCaddy]

...The third issue can be addressed by...adding a 'hot start relay' which will actually help your ignition switch last longer by reducing the load through it.

That is a really good idea!