| Author | Message | ||
| Herbert Edward Gault (Irfgt)
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If you have a picture of the solenoid and a part number {Bosch if that is what it is} I bet I can find an inexpensive source. | ||
| Drew Altemara (Drewa)
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Got the solenoid back on the car and everything is running/starting great. Thanks for everyone who responded. What did I learn: The easiest way to tell if its the solenoid or the starter is to "short across the starter" by applying power directly to it to see it it spins. In my case it did. Peter, I did exactly what you said to make sure it was not the ignition switch. In my case it was a faulty solenoid. But I think it is worth pointing out that the ignition switch can be suspect. Starter solenoids, especially for older cars like mine are getting harder to find. A couple suppliers I contacter wanted to sell me the solenoid/starter as a $1000 package; ouch! Dennis McCann does appear to have a good supply of electrical parts for our cars. I purchased the solenoid from them for $145 and it arrived in 3 days. The starter, at least in my car (512BB) had to be removed to install the solenoid switch. This was relatively easy since it is very accessible as it sits on top of the engine. Again thanks for everyone's help. | ||
| Peter Connolly (Mondial_32_Aus)
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I have been having a similar problem with my Mondial 3.2, usually it won't start when hot. I removed the starter and recondition/cleaned (cheap) the problem was still there. I wired a switch across the soleniod/positive to prove that the soleniod was ok and it was. I then wired a switch directly across the wires at the ignition barrel, it started. The problem for me is the ignition starter switch which goes open circuit when warm, why? I don't know (or care). It may be the same for you, I would recommend that you get a wiring diagram and perfrom the same process of elimination, it doesn't hurt to recondition your starter & soleniod anyway! Regards Peter | ||
| Drew Altemara (Drewa)
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Need a little help. Determined it was definately the solenoid by applying power directly to the starter and it would spin every time. Got the solenoid from Dennis McCann. Appears to have a good selection of electrical parts (Rutlands did not have it). Not exactly the same but will definately work (more later). Problem is that when I took off the old solenoid the "plunger" that connects to the "lever" that engages the starter drive is still attached. The end of the plunger has a horizontal pin that I believe snaps into this lever. It is difficult to access but I probably could snap it out with a screwdriver and a bit of pressure; I think. I was reluctant to do so because I didn't understand how all this fits together. The new solenoid has the same end piece but it is all one unit as opposed to the old one in which the plunger can be pulled out from the body of the solenoid. It will definately fit exactly if I can get the old pin "unsnapped" and the new one in. Question: Can I snap this piece out without removing the starter or is there some thing I am missing. This is probably real easy but I don't want to ruin the starter drive since a new starter unit could be expensive. Thanks | ||
| Drew Altemara (Drewa)
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I am going to order a solenoid on Monday. Will try Ted first in Atlanta. I'm pretty sure after all your comments it is the solenoid. Worst case is that I end up replacing a 22 year old solenoid and rebuilding a 22 year old starter. But then again this is what its all about for a lot of us; that is, finding out more about the cars we love. Will advise on outcome. Thank you again. Drew Altemara | ||
| Martin (Miami348ts)
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Yep, had that with my garden sprinkler too.... | ||
| Warren E. Smith (Magoo)
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Drew after that explanation of the problem I would say definetly a bad solenoid. | ||
| Drew Altemara (Drewa)
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I appreciate all your prompt responses. You guys are a real help. Warren, to answer your question, when hot it clicks more frequently; once it engages the starter turns quickly. I'm thinking solenoid based on what you guys have described. Any more thoughts? Martin, I'll borrow a digital camera next week and post a picture. Thank you again for your help. Drew | ||
| '75 308 GT4 (Peter)
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The solenoid works by pulling the arm that throws the bendix drive into the flywheel ring-gear. When the solenoid reaches the end of its travel, it makes contact and allows current to flow through to the starter motor. It then turns the motor and so forth... This contact in the solenoid gets burnt up from arcing from the sudden jump of current and therefore its condition gets s---tier and s---tier. It'll eventually make contact after its been warmed up from a couple of good arcings. This happens too in welding when the ground clamp doesn't have a good contact with your work piece, sparks fly at the clamp, not at your MIG gun/TIG torch. | ||
| Warren E. Smith (Magoo)
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Drew, To confirm what you are saying. Does it turn over slowly when hot and then start, or does it click more times when hot? If it just clicks more it probably is the solenoid as Bret says. But if after the click it turns slowly, it is likely the starter internally. Sorry I just couldn't interpert the exact reaction you were getting when you tried to start it hot. | ||
| Warren E. Smith (Magoo)
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Drew, Both the solenoid and the starter can be affected by heat. But judging what you say that it is slower to start when hot I would say it is the starter armature that has a dead spot in it or the windings are weak. | ||
| Martin (Miami348ts)
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Hey, post a picture of your car in your profile, through edit profile in the register thing. | ||
| Martin (Miami348ts)
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The Solenroid is likely cheaper than the starter. It cost only $11 for my sprinkler system, not that I want to compare that to your 512BB...I have more valves...  | ||
| BretM (Bretm)
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It's the solenoid. I'm 99.9% sure. It'll take more and more times of clicking before catching until eventually it wont engage at all (all or nothing). You can tell when it's the starter, it gets weak (turns over slower) over a period of time and then eventually stops turning over. | ||
| Drew Altemara (Drewa)
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I'm having intermittent starting problems on my 512BB. I hear a click in the engine compartment when I turn the key to the start position and a click when I release. After about 3 to 5 times of this it finally turns over and lights. This is happening more frequently. Appears to be more pronounced when hot. The battery is new, connections are clean and tight and I am getting power to the starter. Is there any way to tell if it is the starter or solenoid? Both are very accessible (similar on top of engine setup as TR). I would hate to order a solenoid from Rutland's and have it be the starter. Would also hate to R&R the starter and have it be the solenoid. Anybody have an idea. I did a search on Ferrarichat archives and followed the threads but never got good resolution of how to tell. Thanks. |