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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Starter solenoid

I took my solenoid off, the early type with the starter button to clean it up and now I have put it on it won't work. There is a lesson there!
It will work when I push the plunger button on the solenoid but not from the ignition switch.I have checked the terminal from the ignition switch and I get 12v when key is turned. I have also tried a wire direct from the battery to the terminal but still nothing. Has something broken inside, is there anything I can try or will it need replacing?
Mike
m fairclough

Probably your earth connection.

The solenoid body needs to be earthed for it to energise, but it only earths haphazardly through its mounting onto the bodyshell. If it's well painted, it has trouble earthing.
Dave O'Neill2

Thanks Dave that would makes sense beacuse I gave it a lick of paint while it was off. Does the rubber plunger button still work because it just pushes to contacts together inside?
m fairclough

"Does the rubber plunger button still work because it just pushes to contacts together inside?"

Yup, exactly. And when you turn the ignition key to the start position, you energise the solenoid(coil), that is wrapped around the (rubber capped)shaft that you push with your finger. This causes the shaft to move in, and electrically join two contacts together, allowing current to flow to the starter motor.

So yes, if you've painted one of the contact connections, you've insulated it, preventing the solenoid activating via the key.



Lawrence Slater

Wow that's a comprehensive answer Lawrence. Sounds like I'll be scratching some paint off soon. Many thanks
m fairclough

I'm not sure you need do that too much, clean hole in metal and clean fixing to hold solonoid

my soloniod was held on by just one fixing so I added a fresh drilled hole and screw, no doubt it helped but it made no noticeable difference to just having the one fixing
Nigel Atkins

This thread was discussed between 07/10/2012 and 08/10/2012

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