Possible ignition switch problems...

[bmcecosse]

The check has already been done - with the white/red wire disconnected - the solenoid is still trying to turn the starter.... ergo the solenoid is faulty/jammed closed.

[David W.]

Have you tried "INERTIAL MODULATION?"
Tap the solenoid with a hammer, see if it breaks loose. Even if it does, you'll want to replace it.

[lambrettalad]

SO a Birmingham spanner is no longer a hammer ,it's an INERTIAL MODULATOR

[Tea]

Righty, I've changed to the new solenoid and connected all leads/wires but the car still will not start. It has, however, solved the problem of the engine trying to continuously turn over . When I turn the key from OFF to IGN the lights on the speedo come on and then once the key turns to START nothing more happens

Has anyone got any suggestions on what to try next?

(I've put the photo on to make sure the wiring has been done correctly )[frame][/frame]

[bmcecosse]

And if you plug the white/red connector on the small spade on the left of the picture?

[David W.]

Do you hear the solenoid clicking when you turn to START?
I know nothing about the MM solenoids themselves, but have had several solenoid starters. there are two kinds of solenoids. One type supplies 12v to the winding internally, and the switch goes to earth to complete the circuit. Another type is earthed internally, and the switch supplies 12v to the proper terminal.
The switching circuit will be the smaller tabs. It is possible that you have the second type and it is not earthed internally. That MAY BE what the unused smaller tab is for.
The large terminals should be marked LINE or LOAD, or something similar. The battery cable goes to the LINE terminal, and the LOAD terminal goes to the starter. You have other wires connected to the lower terminal. They should be connected to the LINE terminal.
IF you have a solenoid that supplies 12v internally, with the switch supplying the earth, AND IF you have the LINE/LOAD terminals reversed, the solenoid will not respond.
Sorry to be so wordy, but the first question you have to answer is as above, Do you hear the solenoid clicking when you turn to START?
I'm sure that someone who has experience with MM solenoids will respond. Do what he says.
David

[Tea]

First thing I tried was switching the white/ red to opposite side, but with no luck.

There doesn't seem to be any LINE/LOAD markings or any other markings.
It doesn't click when turned to START. So maybe try switching the large tabs around? The solenoid is supposed to be a Lucas solenoid for 1964-1971.

[bmcecosse]

Is there any signal on the white/red wire when you turn the Ign key? Test with meter or simple bulb.......

[Tea]

Have just tested the white/red with a multi meter and there is life.

[bmcecosse]

Well - it should fire the solenoid.....provided it is earthed of course. Try it with a short length of wire from the (brown) live cable.

[kennatt]

Not familiar with this type of solenoid,but if its not earthed through the body then should there not be an earth on the terminal oposite the red and white feed.

[bmcecosse]

It must be earthed through the body.

[kennatt]

I would still try an earth to the unused small terminal,just in case.

[Tea]

I've a feeling the white/red is damaged. After trying the brown wire and then turning the key and nothing happening I checked the wires with the multimeter and there is now no life at the white/red.

I'll try getting a new piece of wire to replace it and see what happens.

[bmcecosse]

The white/red only has power when you twist the key to START position.... Have you tested the solenoid with a length of wire from brown to small terminal in turn?

[Tea]

It was indeed just needing to be earthed.

Thank you as always for all the help

[smithskids]

Wow, that was a bit of a marathon chaps, very instructive. cheers smithskids

[David W.]

So, how did you earth it? Was it the other small terminal opposite the power terminal? or the solenoid frame?

[Tea]

Earthed from the terminal opposite white/red. However, after all that I think I may get a solenoid that is earthed through the body as I don't really want another wire to confuse things - with a mind like a sieve it doesn't take much

[David W.]

Just a short (black) wire from the terminal to the screw holding the solenoid in place will suffice. That shouldn't be too confusing.
DW