Have looked at the other threads on starter issues and have found out my problem is the small loop between the starter and the solanoid. There is only about 3/8" of wire sticking out of the starter the rest seems gone somehow. My question is do I need to replace the starter or is there a way to replace that small piece of wire that goes into the starter and over to the solanoid.

thanks for your help

 

Are you talking about the exposed braided wire that connects the starter and solenoid. I am sure that the wire can be replaced. If the starter is old and the other connections look mucked up, personnaly, I would replace it.
I have bought rebuilt starters in the past and one of the refurbished parts on them is the braided wire, so I don't think replacing the wire is an issue. I just had to replace my starter(again) with a new Beck/Arnley and it was $135.00.
All my wires and connections were corroded badly last April so I replaced it then but the solenoid went bad and Advance Auto Parts let me upgrade to the Beck for $15.00 more.

 

That small wire you speak of goes inside the starter to the brush holder and the positive brushes. So yes, it is possible to change out, but honestly if the rest of the starter is looking pretty sad then just do it right and get a rebuilt one or a new one. For how much of a PITA they are to get out and back in it's worth it to do it right the first time IMO.

 

thanks for the response guys, Yes it is that braided wire between the starter and Solenoid, I'm suspecting since the wire looks pretty bad maybe something in the starter caused it to fry. anyway am planning on replacing it so thanks for your responses