[alfa] Re: starter motor solenoid

[Kevin Trent <trentkc@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

At 05:21 PM 4/28/04 +0000, you wrote:

> I've heard of starter motor solenoids going bad and never engaging - It
> happened to me and that's why I have a relay between the ignition switch and
> mine.
>
> But is a solenoid sticking in the engaged position common? Mine (newly 
> rebuilt)
> started doing it tonight. I disconnected the HT from the coil, hit the switch
> and the thing just kept on going until I got the battery cable disconnected.
> When the engine starts it seems to stay engaged then finally disengage itself
> after a few revolutions.
Is this the result of burned solenoid contacts that are sticking?  A timely 
question for me.   I have two 1.1 starters with problems that might be 
related to the solenoid.

First problem: starter clicks but does not engage. I use a stick that I use 
like a pool cue to tap the solenoid, which usually frees the starter to 
turn.  This problem is most prevalent on a hot engine.  First start of the 
day usually has no problems, but a hot engine is most likely to produce the 
condition.  I've serviced the starter commutator and bushes, and believe 
the contacts in the solenoid are just burned and corroded.  Can these 
contacts be serviced?  Other diagnosis?

Second problem: starter spins but does not engage the flywheel.  If I keep 
bumping the starter, it eventually will begin to catch and engage the 
flywheel.  Seems like bumping the starter (up to 2-3 dozen times!) will 
eventually "warm up" the starter/solenoid so they work.  This condition is 
most prevalent on cold engine starts/ cold ambient temps and goes away or 
much less severe on a warm engine.  Advice as to solenoid or bendix drive 
problem?

Thanks, //KCT, Powell, TN
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