starter solenoid funny story

[hardiek]

At least I think this is a somewhat funny solenoid story.

I am a rookie and am working to troubleshoot the starting of a omc cobra 5.0 motor using the starter troubleshooting guide on this site.

So I get to testing the starter solenoid and realized the battery cable crimping had come loose which explains alot (good news).

So I decide to remove the nut in order to more easily crimp the connection back on (seemed like a good idea at the time). I was wrong.

Turns out to be a bad move. As I ratchet off the nut (it was fully corroded) the nut won't move and the bolt turns and rips itself out of the starter solenoid (all of this happened on the second ratchet). Now I need a new starter solenoid and to recrimp the cable.

Oh what fun....my wife did not think this was as funny as it did. I found it interesting.

Thanks for everyone's help on this forum.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: starter solenoid funny story

If your solenoid was that corroded think what your starter must be like! If the starter has ever been under water...even fresh water...it needs to be replaced or rebuilt. Don't bother with just a solenoid in that case and just get a whole new starter with solenoid.

 

[hardiek]

Re: starter solenoid funny story

Neither one has ever been under water. Just not used much. Should I still replace both? Any idea what the price difference is between just one and both? If it isn't too much I'll replace both anyhow.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: starter solenoid funny story

If it was mine, I would just replace both.

 

[hardiek]

Re: starter solenoid funny story

where is a good place to get both?

 

[bruceb58]

Re: starter solenoid funny story

You can pretty much buy them as a unit. Boatfix.com has good prices on the Sierra rebuilt ones or you can just et your rebuilt.

What year is your engine?

 

[hardiek]

Re: starter solenoid funny story

is it possible to test start the engine without the starter motor? I am new to motors and thought it was worth asking. Thanks.

 

[hardiek]

Re: starter solenoid funny story

thanks. sounds like a plan.

 

[Alpheus]

Re: starter solenoid funny story

is it possible to test start the engine without the starter motor? I am new to motors and thought it was worth asking. Thanks.

If you got a good piece of rope and could lift a car over your head you may be able to pull start it...