Replacing Starter Solenoid

[Yodar Critch]

I got good info here re; oil filter. Thanx

Next question should be a breeze for experts (not me):

What are the pitfalls, if any of replacing subject? I have not ordered it yet. I understand the wiring needs, but are ther any "J-Springs" (as in Jeeez, where did that spring go and what's it for and where does it go).

Yodar Critch (alias Jim Huhta)

[Al Schober]

Been a while, but I don't recall any pitfalls. The pivot bolt for the actuator arm has a locknut - no problem. You might have to pull the two long bolts holding the stator to the housing.
Are you really replacing it or just doing a restoration? The large washer that makes the electrical contact can often just be reversed.
While you have the beast on the bench, you should also clean up the commutator and make sure the brush rigging is working freely. That brush gear tends to corrode and hang up, giving poor brush contact.

Al

[Yodar Critch]

Al.....I don't think I made my Q. clear enough; the starter works fine, is clean inside and all contacts good. The solenoid I am referring to activates the starter motor, and kinda sits on top of the Delco starter motor.

It now has a tendency to "fail" in that the ammeter shows a large negative discharge, and nothing happens in the start mode.....no click, nothing.

You have an excellent idea in reversing the large washer inside the solenoid, as the last time (4 years ago) I noted it was severely corroded. I am a fresh water sailor.

I am just concerned when I replace the solenoid.....what should be carefully watched, other than what goes back where. Does this sound like a better explanation?

Thanx, Jim Huhta/Yodar Critch

[Yodar Critch]

Al.....One more thing/definition. The solenoid can be removed & replaced without removing the Delco starter (I assume). Jim Huhta

[ILikeRust]

From my recollection in doing a total disassembly and rebuild of my engine, including the starter, you'll need to take the starter off the engine to get the solenoid out. It's a heckuva lot easier to do it that way anyhow.

Moyer sells the rubber gasket for the top of the solenoid.

It's not terribly hard - there is indeed one big spring. I would take a picture or three of the thing as you're taking it apart to remember how it all goes back together.

But the solenoid does not just pop right off - you have to partially disassemble the starter - you have to take off the "nose" at the forward end.

At least, as I remember it, I'm having a hard time envisioning how you would remove and replace the solenoid with the starter in place on the engine.

The good news is, the starter is really easy to remove - just unhook the wires (keep track of which ones go where - again, a small digital camera would be good - or just stick masking tape labels on them, if you're not sure), and undo two bolts - it pops right off.

[Mo]

Hi Yodar,
Clean up the terminals on your ignition button / switch and see if that cures it. Check and clean wires ....Then look towards the starter sol.

[jpian0923]

Check the bendix gear that meshes with the fly wheel. It might be jammed.
That would also explain your symptoms.

You have to remove the alternator first to get the starter out. . . on mine anyway.

[67c&ccorv]

Soleniod removal/replacement is easy no matter whether you have an early model with the Prestolite starter or a late model with the Delco starter.

Cheers!