If you ever have a break in the wire at the solenoid you could try this repair I did on my 1984 245 “Buster” (so named as he was brown, not because he constantly needed fixin’).

The break had developed immediately under the integral rubber cap, which was cracked. My fix was to solder the wire at the break and then reseal the top of the solenoid using a combination of heat shrink tubing and RTV silicone.

The heat shrink tubing may not be readily apparent as it was clear, something I just happened to have on hand.



Safety wire was used to prevent tension on repaired wire which could cause soldered joint to come apart.

Tatra Mike
Seattle, Washington

1985 244 "Alfsen" (wife's car - the good one)
1984 245 "Buster" (the kid's car, now sold)
1985 245 "Cosmo" (parts car, sold off for move to WA)
1985 245 "Daisy" (back seat down, full of tools, the work truck)
1985 245 "Earl (CA vehicle 'retirement' program)
1985 244 "Junker 1"(Awaiting cannibalization)

Can you tell I prefer the 1985 model 240? Better headlights than the plastic 1986+ and nicer belt adjustments than the 1984s and earlier!