Tony_C Posted March 8 Report Posted March 8 Hi all, Sun shining so I thought I would get the car out. However, only a click at the solonoid; late 3a with everything standard and original (albeit the solonoid is an aftermarket replacement around 5 years ago), I’ve checked the basic's - 13+ volts, cleaned up the earth and all connections. Am I missing something obvious or, do these repro solonoid’ s just fail? (Not an excuse but I have not been able to test much as I’ve got no one to push the starter etc whilst I am under the bonnet) As always, any thoughts greatly appreciated Quote
james christie Posted March 8 Report Posted March 8 Yes they do - and without due warning too!! A simple initial test is to briefly short the HD terminals on the solenoid to see if the starter motor turns. A hefty screw driver is the ideal weapon. If the starter motor turns then investigate the solenoid and ignition switch. james Quote
RobH Posted March 8 Report Posted March 8 (edited) Hasn't the solenoid got the manual push button at the back end of it Tony? If so it's rather safer than shorting things across the terminals. If it doesn't work manually the solenoid contacts are kaput. Edited March 8 by RobH Quote
Tony_C Posted March 8 Author Report Posted March 8 Thanks James. No, sadly not Rob, it’s particularly ‘cheap and nasty’ (albeit everything looks fine externally) Quote
rcreweread Posted March 8 Report Posted March 8 Tony - sounds like you need one of these! All have been refurbished and tested, albeit not taken apart as this is not possible, but operate when livened with a satisfying "clunk" One of the ones in the photos is slightly different to all the others as it appears to have a cast body - I'm looking for £30 if you are interested Cheers Rich C-R Quote
Tony_C Posted March 9 Author Report Posted March 9 Big old screwdriver worked a treat! where can I get the best solonoid? Thanks Rich, - I have just found that I did not send the above message yesterday afternoon (because of the delayed sending.. or, because I’m going senile? ) However, I did immediately order a new one- I’ll wait and see how it goes but likely give you a call; I’m abroad for most of the next month Quote
rcreweread Posted March 9 Report Posted March 9 20 minutes ago, Tony_C said: Big old screwdriver worked a treat! where can I get the best solonoid? Thanks Rich, - I have just found that I did not send the above message yesterday afternoon (because of the delayed sending.. or, because I’m going senile? ) However, I did immediately order a new one- I’ll wait and see how it goes but likely give you a call; I’m abroad for most of the next month Tony - all understood - I'm not going anywhere! Cheers Rich Quote
james christie Posted March 9 Report Posted March 9 7 hours ago, Tony_C said: Big old screwdriver worked a treat! That is a trick which I learnt on a construction site in darkest Africa. It was a Cat dozer construction machine using 24 volts and 450hp Diesel engine, so a lot more grunt than a TR! I know it it isn't the best technique, but sometimes needs must!! james Quote
Tony_C Posted March 9 Author Report Posted March 9 Yep James, whisper it on here, but I tend to think it is the best technique… I was pussyfooting around because a few more days in the garage is ok in the bigger picture… However, I do recall being on a big old boat at anchor when we got the dreaded click… horrible down in the bilge but what a relief Quote
RobH Posted March 9 Report Posted March 9 It is a technique but for the benefit of anyone reading this in the future it has to be said it's far from the best or safest way. You will get away with it 99 times out of 100. On the odd unlucky occasion you may fumble it, short-circuit something and damage the wiring, the solenoid or the battery. As long as you recognise that possibility and accept the risk, then fine. Quote
stuart Posted March 10 Report Posted March 10 14 hours ago, RobH said: It is a technique but for the benefit of anyone reading this in the future it has to be said it's far from the best or safest way. You will get away with it 99 times out of 100. On the odd unlucky occasion you may fumble it, short-circuit something and damage the wiring, the solenoid or the battery. As long as you recognise that possibility and accept the risk, then fine. Or write off a perfectly good screwdriver. Stuart. Quote
Charlie D Posted March 10 Report Posted March 10 2 hours ago, stuart said: Or write off a perfectly good screwdriver. Or spanner... Quote
Nobbysr Posted April 11 Report Posted April 11 On 3/8/2025 at 9:08 PM, rcreweread said: Tony - sounds like you need one of these! All have been refurbished and tested, albeit not taken apart as this is not possible, but operate when livened with a satisfying "clunk" One of the ones in the photos is slightly different to all the others as it appears to have a cast body - I'm looking for £30 if you are interested Cheers Rich C-R Hi Rich have been after an original soleniod for sometime would you have one you are willing to sell regards Steve Warren Quote
rcreweread Posted April 11 Report Posted April 11 1 hour ago, Nobbysr said: Hi Rich have been after an original soleniod for sometime would you have one you are willing to sell regards Steve Warren Steve - yes no problem - they are all still available - I will send you a PM with my contact details. Cheers Rich C-R Quote
Tony_C Posted April 11 Author Report Posted April 11 These do look good and sure you will not go wrong Steve.. Slightly embarrassing update on mine, if anyone is interested, the better quality repro arrived and worked fine…. However, only when I was swapping it out, I noticed that the big spade connection was loose?! Quote
Nobbysr Posted April 15 Report Posted April 15 Many thanks Tony will call Rich when i have finishd fitting some more bits to the car cheers Steve Quote
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