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Post by deltalimamike on Dec 23, 2017 15:04:07 GMT
Hi all, Some help needed please. Car turning over and won't start, not a huge issue and I will check all the normal things after I have resolved another problem. The part pictured(looks like a 3 tier cake on its side) and being pointed at by my middle digit (sorry), is not happy with life and is getting hot to the point it started smoking today. What is this part called please and where can I find a replacement. Could this part failing be my starting issue? When it comes to changing, other than disconnecting the battery is there anything else I need to consider please? Thanks in advance...
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Post by grommitt on Dec 23, 2017 17:30:47 GMT
Hi Mike, the cake looks like the starter solenoid and probably is contributing to your starting problem. Smoke from electrics isn't a good sign, but not as bad as smoke from the fuel system. It takes the full starter motor current and the problem may be a poor contact somewhere at the top end of the cake - where the connections are. One or both may be loose, test by poking carefully with your useful digit. BUT before you rush in with a spanner one of those big cables is connected straight to the battery and will release a large store of fireworks if the spanner contacts terminal + the chassis/engine. Remove the earth lead from the battery first. You have been warned. With any luck that should fix it and the smoke may remain within the unit in future. Good luck, G
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Post by deltalimamike on Dec 23, 2017 17:34:20 GMT
Hi Mike, the cake looks like the starter solenoid and probably is contributing to your starting problem. Smoke from electrics isn't a good sign, but not as bad as smoke from the fuel system. It takes the full starter motor current and the problem may be a poor contact somewhere at the top end of the cake - where the connections are. One or both may be loose, test by poking carefully with your useful digit. BUT before you rush in with a spanner one of those big cables is connected straight to the battery and will release a large store of fireworks if the spanner contacts terminal + the chassis/engine. Remove the earth lead from the battery first. You have been warned. With any luck that should fix it and the smoke may remain within the unit in future. Good luck, G Brilliant thank you. I shall try your suggestions and carefullness prompts and report back. 😁
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Post by johnmann on Dec 24, 2017 11:19:08 GMT
The solenoid is basically an electromagnet. A small current through the coil, activated by the starter button, causes the main contacts to engage and pass the starter current (100s of Amps). It can be manually operated by pressing the rubber cap on the left end (ensure car is out of gear first!). If the starter operates normally when you try this, then the fault is on the coil side.
Complete replacement solenoids are not too expensive, but as previous suggestions, cleaning and tightenting all terminals should be your first step.
John.
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Post by canuck on Dec 24, 2017 17:10:46 GMT
FWIW I think it best this be removed from the car for thorough cleaning and diagnosis. This is only held in place by a couple of screws and is much easier to do on the bench than hunched over the wing.
DISCONNECT the battery as has been advised prior to wrenching.
Here is the wiring as should be to assist trouble shoot;
where 7 is the battery, 19 is the solenoid (in question), 18 is the starter motor and 17 being the starter push button on the dash. Ensure the integrity of these wires, particularly the Brown (N) as this is a live feed from the battery.
Be careful
Bruce
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Post by deltalimamike on Dec 24, 2017 23:23:55 GMT
Brilliant thank you all for your help.
I will order a new one up as they are not that expensive and check everything as above instructions.
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Post by grommitt on Dec 28, 2017 9:33:47 GMT
I would follow Canuck's advice and refurbish the old one, as johnman says its only an electromagnet and should be perfectly serviceable unless the coil is burnt out. I have had loads of trouble from 'new' electrical items, specially the cheap stuff made somewhere well East that don't understand what they are making. Some good rules: repair if you can, NEVER chuck out the old original. Cheers, G
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