Hey all, long time lurker.

I'm interested in modern experiences with the replacement of four terminal starter solenoids. I have used my old stock of original solenoids up, and have been using the Lucas branded solenoids to replace these as they fall out of service. I figured being boxed and branded Lucas parts, I might have some good experiences, but I haven't. They fail quite easily.

Is there a deemed "good" supplier of later solenoids, or are we doomed to these poorer quality examples?

Are there any tips for spotting the good from the bad?

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SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.

I once had an Echlin brand one that jammed when hot so no better.
Have you tried stripping an original and turning the plunger 90°? I have done this with other cars.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

No I haven't stripped these ones yet, although the four rivets make it look pretty easy to do. Do the contacts get dirty? Or do they just not seat well?

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SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.

Being DC the contacts arc away, on US (for example OMC outboard) solenoids it's the circular copper plunger. The 2 fixed copper lugs usually were OK.
Worth a look.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

Hi Mick

You could buy a new old stock English Lucas solenoid. ( still out there) Drill out the rivets and replace with your Australian cover/dated part number cap. Looks the part and works.

I'm curious how often you have an original solenoid die on you - I can't say I've ever had a failure...

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did I tell you that I won a trophy?

How much would a NOS Lucas solenoid cost?

So was I. Replaced one in a torana once in 10 years..

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

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http://www.ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=93352

If I'm carrying on like a pork-chop, I'm having a great time.

If I go very quiet there's a very good chance I broke something.

This is a very timely question from Mick, the solenoid just failed in my Moke. This is the second one that has gone. I replaced the original several years ago with a good Mk1 solenoid (the one with the manual push button on the end) and now it has failed too. I've been having to open the bonnet to press the button for the last few days.

I'd also like to know what the best value option is. The Lucas branded stuff in the green boxes doesn't have the greatest reputation. I know the Mk1 guys are quite critical of the earlier style ones.

Tim

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1951 Morris Commercial J Type Van
1955 BSA C11G
1961 Morris Mini Traveller
1969 Triumph TR6R
1977 Leyland Moke Californian

I just fitted the old ones I had when I needed them on other cars, and didn't leave one over for myself

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SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.

ohh, gotcha

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did I tell you that I won a trophy?

A colleague tells me he sourced a NOS one from these guys.

http://www.oldlucas.com.au

I haven't contacted them yet - still need to prove that my problem is caused by the solenoid.

Tim

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1951 Morris Commercial J Type Van
1955 BSA C11G
1961 Morris Mini Traveller
1969 Triumph TR6R
1977 Leyland Moke Californian

It is easy to disassemble. Just be careful when reassembly that you don't crack the black plastic case re-rivoting.

As doc mention, the constant arcing over time tarnishes the copper contacts to the point that they blacken and do not conduct. Nothing a bit of emery/sand paper can't fix.

The other point of failure is the coil that induces a magnetic field to pull the pin up to create contact. I've received a unit where the pin wasn't moving when bench tested.

1. Is there soldering involved?
2. Can it be reassembled using nuts and bolts?

I fitted a new one tonight, but it didn't take more than a second to find the problem on the old! They're not especially water resistant ...

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SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.