<VV> starter/electrical problems

[HallGrenn at aol.com]

Jim,
 
Sounds like a problem with the solenoid.  If you have the time, tools  and 
interest you can take the starter off, remove and troubleshoot the  
solenoid.  I'd just replace the whole starter assembly with a known good  one if you 
can.  It sounds as if the solenoid isn't holdling the shift  lever in (that 
pushes the starter gear assembly into the ring gear) which allows  the 
starter motor to spin (the vacuum cleaner sound) without engaging the ring  gear 
to turn the engine.
 
Bob Hall
Group Corvair
Corvanatics
CORSA