BJ8, PH I Starter Solenoid, I Think?

[jjbank]

Last Wednesday (8/29) night, I started the Healey pulled it out of the garage and let it idle on the driveway for a few minutes. I shut it off and let it sit. The neighbor kid wanted to use my Healey as a backdrop for his senior picture so I was waiting for his call. Skies were cloudy so no picture. I went to start the Healey and no go. I assumed vapor lock on the fuel pump and simply pushed it into the garage. Went away the next day for a Labor day weekend trip. Fast forward to Monday night (9/3)
Got the Healey ready for an evening spin with the wife. Turned on the ignition and heard the fuel pump clicking but nothing. Turned the ignition again and nothing. Checked for voltage at the Solenoid and had 12.5+ volts. My BJ8 has the old solenoid with the reset button in the rear.Pushed the reset button and turned the ignition and still nothing. Hit the solenoid with a flashlight and Voila, the thing started. Took the car for a spin and tried to restart it after the ride and no problem. Last night(9/4) we finally did the picture thing with the neighbor's son and had no problem starting.
Should I replace my solenoid? Is this the beginning of the end for my solenoid or just a sticking thing? Should I replace it with a similar, reset button solenoid or use the newer version? Can I use a newer version solenoid? Can I rebuild the solenoid I have or refurbish it? Where can I buy either type or where should I buy the replacement solenoid?

 

[Bob McElwee]

We had similar symptons on our daughters BJ8 in 2002. The solenoid and cable from solenoid to starter had been replaced the morning before we started out on the trip to Lake Tahoe for Open Roads. Ended up having to replace the starter on the first day. Fortunately our first night was real close to Vicky B so picked up a starter on the way to the motel.

 

[Keoke]

Last Wednesday (8/29) night, I started the Healey pulled it out of the garage and let it idle on the driveway for a few minutes. I shut it off and let it sit. The neighbor kid wanted to use my Healey as a backdrop for his senior picture so I was waiting for his call. Skies were cloudy so no picture. I went to start the Healey and no go. I assumed vapor lock on the fuel pump and simply pushed it into the garage. Went away the next day for a Labor day weekend trip. Fast forward to Monday night (9/3)
Got the Healey ready for an evening spin with the wife. Turned on the ignition and heard the fuel pump clicking but nothing. Turned the ignition again and nothing. Checked for voltage at the Solenoid and had 12.5+ volts. My BJ8 has the old solenoid with the reset button in the rear.Pushed the reset button and turned the ignition and still nothing. Hit the solenoid with a flashlight and Voila, the thing started. Took the car for a spin and tried to restart it after the ride and no problem. Last night(9/4) we finally did the picture thing with the neighbor's son and had no problem starting.

Should I replace my solenoid?------YES


Is this the beginning of the end for my solenoid or just a sticking thing?-----Based on your report IMOP this is not just a sticking thing.

Should I replace it with a similar, reset button solenoid---Yes
or use the newer version? Can I use a newer version solenoid?
Can I rebuild the solenoid I have or refurbish it?-----NO

Where can I buy either type or where should I buy the replacement solenoid?---Any of the usual replacement parts suppliers can provide you one

------------------Fwiw---Keoke

 

[jjbank]

Thank you for your reply.

 

[RobWarren]

I have had exactly the same issue over the last few days and have managed to get her going by fishing around under the rear part of the engine bay and pressing the button back there.

I guess I'll put a new solenoid on the list for birthday pressies!

i have to admit - the neighbours thought I looked like I actually knew what I was doing when I popped the hood to start the car. How little they know! (shh)

hehe

 

[GregW]

- the neighbours thought I looked like I actually knew what I was doing
hehe

Just don't do that with the car in gear and run over your foot. The illusion will fade real quick. /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/jester.gif
Might also be a bad contact in the ignition switch. Maybe check for voltage at the red/white wire on the solenoid with someone turning the key to “start”.

 

[RobWarren]

There'd be some fantastic swearing.

 

[AUSMHLY]

Interesting that this subject just resurfaced.
Last week I noticed that one of the rubber boot on the starter solenoid was old, cracked and ripped. The other rubber boot was missing. Today the pair of new boots came in. When I removed the positive cable from the solenoid I was shocked (play on words here) to see that the wire was/had burned a hole in the metal! How long has that been going on? Why didn't something short out? Of course I am thankful to have found this problem before it became a serious car starts on fire problem and fixed it. R

 

[BOBBYR]

Hey Ausmhly,
Nice find.With a short like that in the main circuit ,I'm surprised you didn't feel it in the performance.It should run real smooth now.Again,Good find!
Bobby R

 

[VelodromeRacer]

Note to self, I think checking that lead will be on my spring list of things to do!

Yikes!

 

[tahoe healey]

Good thing you didn't support your thumb on that wire when pushing the starter button. Was the wire on thight before you removed it? I use the starter button terminal for my timing light, other wise I ignore it.
There goes your beautiful paint job. Did you get extra paint in a spray can?
TH

 

[AUSMHLY]

Hey TH,

First thing I did was disconnect the battery.
Yes the wire was on tight. The wire was not actually touching the metal. The protective wrap around the wire was old and cracked and missing in that area. Seems the electricity was arcing.

Today I will put the car on jacks and follow every inch of that wire and check all ground wires. I have already removed the wire that goes from the solenoid to the starter and used shrink wrap on both ends and new rubber boots. I repaired the hot wire problem with electrical tap, then shrink wrapped it. Installed a new rubber boot. I removed the solenoid. Wire brushed all the rust off and painted it silver. Looks like new, except it silver. At least it will not rust. Once everything has been cleaned, repaired, checked and rechecked, I'll wire it all back together. I am lucky to have found this and advise others to check theirs.

You know me TH. 2 spray cans! Of course I painted it. Although an option would have been a big red arrow. Look here.
Cheers,
Roger

 

[Ed_K]

Roger,
After looking at the first picture, I think you should check
to see if you still have a good, low ohm , electrical connection between the connector and the end of the big wire. It may not be making a good electrical connection anymore. If the leads of your ohm meter are long enough, clip one lead on each end of the cable to check.
/bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/cheers.gif
Ed