Solenoids gone bad???- more poor quality parts issues??

[chickenjohn]

I had a rare mechanical problem with my usually reliable Traveller. The original red-button solenoid stopped working, even on the button, necessitating the use of an insulated screwdriver across the terminals to start the engine.

Last week, tiring of the screwdriver method, I finally got around to fitting a new solenoid. It worked for about three starts of the engine then stuck on with the result that the engine turned over as soon as the battery was connected. Luckily, the battery leads were not tightened and I quickly pulled the battery lead off the battery.

Fitting the old solenoid from the project 4-door has fixed the problem for now. And I have to find the receipt and take back the faulty new solenoid. (Bought from a reputable South East of England parts supplier).

Anyone know if it is possible to recondition an old push button solenoid?? Or a source of good spares??

[IslipMinor]

These modern electrical contraption finngies!

Don't have such problems on our '58, just a knob to pull!! On our second one in 52 years, the original being replaced during the restoration 12 years ago because it looked a bit scruffy - still worked though.

Answering the question, I don't believe you can recondition a starter solenoid. How about a good secondhand original one at an autojumble?

[chickenjohn]

It did cross my mind, is it possible to retrofit a pull-start solenoid to a late (post '63) car?
Other than that, unless I can get a high quality new solenoid, instead of rubbish made in the far east then I will be on the look out for a 2nd hand solenoid to replace the one off the project car!

In fact I will have a rummage in the loft!

[mike.perry]

It should be possible. You will need to remove the screen washer button and move the choke to that position then fit a starter cable into the hole vacated by the choke. You will then have to drill a hole behind the new starter unit for the cable.
That just leaves the washers. Fit an electric pump and swap the wiper switch for a light switch, then wire the pump into the headlight terminal on the switch. Position 1 = wipers, pos. 2 = wipers and washers.

[Pikey]

Hi
Ive actually managed to repair a old soleniod on my restoration.

The bakelite cover is held onto the base metal plate with 4 rivets. File the rivets off on the metal base plate (they're aluminium) and carefully pull the bakelite top off. Under neath you'll find the solenoid plunger which when it operates pulls down (or pushes down my means of the red button) onto a pair of heavy thick copper contacts under each of the two battery connectors.

On mine the copper contacts had burnt and had carboned up a bit so I just took them off cleaned them up a bit and then just turned them upside down to achieve a nice clean contact face again, and put it all back together again.

As for the rivets you obviously wont be able to use them again, they'll be too short now. I just punched them out though the bakelite cover and replaced them with M3 x 25mm bolts.

Touch wood mines been great ever since.

Regards

Steve B

[chickenjohn]

Thanks Steve, thats what I'm going to attempt to do, clean up the old solenoid and bolt it back together. I had drilled the rivets out, trouble is, have now mislaid the solenoid!! Somewhere among the parts taken off the project 4-door.

But thanks for the tip as soon as I find it, will recondition it as I like having the push button solenoid.