solenoid wires

Post by SR » Sat Feb 18, 2006 6:29 pm

anyone know what to do with these, im usins series 2 soleniod, i knowthe red/white is redundant, which one goes to charge battery, big brown one, where does the thin brown go

Post by **Packedup** » Sun Feb 19, 2006 1:21 am

Wouldn't that one normally go on the permanent live on the solenoid on a 1098 (the round terminal is a clue I think)? In which case, I'd hook it to a permanent live on your car somewhere. As far as I know, brown is always main charging/ battery live, and I certainly wouldn't want to leave it flapping around whatever the case!

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sun Feb 19, 2006 5:03 pm

Aye brown wires are always live! Main supply lead from the battery should meet these wires on the starter switch. Obviously the other big lead goes to the starter. By Series 2 - do you mean the 'pull cable' starter switch ? In which case, it's not a solenoid!

Post by **Onne** » Sun Feb 19, 2006 5:28 pm

What is a solenoid then? I thought I had one on my Series II, indeed operated manually via a cable.

Post by **Willie** » Sun Feb 19, 2006 8:32 pm

ONNE... your car is using a simple pull type switch to energise the starter.
A solonoid is operated electrically to do the same thing by supplying it with
12v when you turn the ignition key.

Post by SR » Sun Feb 19, 2006 9:02 pm

ah-ha!!!!!!!

Post by **Onne** » Sun Feb 19, 2006 9:11 pm

Thank you Willie. I learn something new every day.
I bet the old style is less likely to fail...

Post by **Cam** » Mon Feb 20, 2006 1:01 am

Yes, as usual there is less to go wrong! But in my experience both items are pretty reliable generaly.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Mon Feb 20, 2006 1:16 pm

The cable can fray/break/ disconnect. Early Minis just had the starter switch on the floor - press with finger - no cables - even more reliable.

Post by **lowedb** » Mon Feb 20, 2006 1:26 pm

Early Minis just had the starter switch on the floor - press with finger - no cables - even more reliable.

And if your Dad's mate leaves his mini in gear, and you in the car, while he and your Dad go for a drink, you can propel said Mini into a wall

Post by **minor_hickup** » Mon Feb 20, 2006 2:02 pm

sounds like youre speaking from experience

Post by **Cam** » Mon Feb 20, 2006 4:43 pm

bmcecosse wrote:The cable can fray/break/ disconnect. Early Minis just had the starter switch on the floor - press with finger - no cables - even more reliable.

They CAN but it's unusual. My 1952 one was in perfect condition when I took it off.

Of course the Mini has the exposed wiring and switch rear pointing downwards. Of the two, I prefer the Minor system.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Mon Feb 20, 2006 6:49 pm

Aye - and then when the exhaust gets a bit of a bang and leans on the wires !!!