Starter Solenoid - Bad?

[phipps]

I know, I know, y'all are gonna get sick of me!! LOL


I've been working on a 71 60hp motor. It was turning over fine last night and now today it won't. The starter will turn over if I apply voltage directly to the starter terminal so I was thinking it is the wire between the starter and solenoid, but I decided to check the solenoid anyway. From looking at the wiring diagram, if I run a jumper from the hot side of the solenoid to one of the white wires there should be voltage on the starter side, correct?

I know it's not in the keyswitch as I have voltage at the white wire when I turn the key to start, so I'm guessing it's the solenoid.

Will an automotive solenoid work?

 

[CharlieB]

Re: Starter Solenoid - Bad?

Some models the starter solenoid would ground through a neutral safety switch.

Check your solenoid ground, see if it is grounded to the block or run to a switch on the shift linkage.

Connect the lead from a test light to the battery side of the solenoid, touch the light to a good ground to be sure that it works. Now touch both small terminals of the solenoid, if the solenoid is grounded correctly the light should light on both terminals. NO light = NO ground Light on ground side and no light on ign switch side = good ground but bad solenoid coil

 

[phipps]

Re: Starter Solenoid - Bad?

Thanks, I'll give that a shot. Can't believe I didn't even think about the solenoid having to be grounded, duh!! LOL

 

[spacerust]

Re: Starter Solenoid - Bad?

i just had the same problem with my motor a few weeks ago. turned out it was the solenoid. costs between 12 to 25 dollars depending on where you get it.