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1968 Solenoid question

Jester

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 23, 2013
Messages
108
Location
Southern Sweden
A couple of times now my car has just been dead when I turn the key. By tapping the solenoid it engages and starts, so my guess is the solenoid is not what it should be. I am not sure but I think the solenoid is fairly new, that the P.O put it in 4 years ago. A few questions for you mechanics out there. Is it worth trying to fix the solenoid myself, I mean is it usually simple and obvious problems, or should I just by a new one? And if I by a new one what is the expected lifetime? Are they generally failing after a few years? Thanks/Jesper
 

stangfan

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 12, 2012
Messages
1,840
Location
Victoria BC Canada
I had a NPD concours level solenoid fail on the second start. They sent me a replacement and it has been fine for over two years now. You just never know these days with most of the repros being made in China.
 

Ruppstang

Well-known member
Joined
May 22, 2009
Messages
3,032
+1 on the above comments. I would check for ground and if its I would buy a auto parts store solenoid if it is not a concours car. There is really no way to service solenoids.
Marty
 

franklinair

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 1, 2007
Messages
4,741
If you're not concerned with concourse, I can get 12V aircraft starter solenoids that are of higher quality. About $12.

Neil
 
OP
OP
J

Jester

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 23, 2013
Messages
108
Location
Southern Sweden
I changed the solenoid. When I turn the key,there is now a clear "clack" which I guess would be the starter engaging so I assume the solenoid now is ok. But then nothing. The starter doesn't crank the engine. When I release the key there is another "click" which I again guess is the starter retraction. So, is it the starter and I need to change it or could it be something else?
 

CougarCJ

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 17, 2006
Messages
2,186
Check your battery, and cables. Engine ground strap at back of engine.
Old battery cables build up resistance over time and can get corroded between the wire strands.
 
OP
OP
J

Jester

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 23, 2013
Messages
108
Location
Southern Sweden
Thanks! It turned out to be a wire connection on the starter that wasnt tight enough. I still don't understand why the connection allowed the starter to engage but not to crank the engine. If anyone cares to educate me, feel free.
/Jesper
 

franklinair

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 1, 2007
Messages
4,741
I believe the 'clack' you heard was the solenoid contacts engaging & disengaging. Not the Starter. A Starter is really nothing more than an electric motor.

Neil
 
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