1987 camry, starter sometimes turns but does not extend. starter and solenoid both test good and battery new. Cables and connections clean and tight. need some ideas

I don't know of anyway of fixing the plunger. I would replace the starter. If you can take the starter out and lubricating the plunger with high temperature brake grease, you might get it working. While you're in there, replace the main solenoid contacts. They have a habit of dying.

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=166530

It doesn't make sense, if the plunger doesn't extend, then the motor won't turn since the power will be connected only after the plunger is extended. You may have other problems. Check the teeth on the pinion and flywheel. They may be damaged.

Pulling the starter will tell you the problem.

I have a 87 wagon with worn teeth (one spot) on the flywheel ring ..... I did some research & found that Toyota mismatched on the strater gear & flywheel gear on the early Camrys... This caused abnormal wear on the flywheel gear in spots... Pull the starter & take a look..... Bob

pulled the starter to have it tested, teeth on starter are fine, will pull again to ck flywheel