TR2/3/3A Cleaning the Solenoid contacts? Does pressing the small chrome "button" release the bake light fixture to access the contacts for cleaning?

[karls59tr]

 

[Sarastro]

Dunno for sure, but I doubt it. The case looks to me like it is swaged over the bakelite insert. It's just a $20 part (from BP Northwest), so I'd suggest replacing it.

 

[karls59tr]

The reason I was thinking of opening the solenoid for cleaning is that I just read on the Triumph Experience forum newsletter that the new aftermarket solenoids offered by some suppliers are definitely faulty. Several complaints of contacts sticking resulting in the starter not shutting off and the person scrambling to disconnect the battery!

 

[TRopic6]

IIRC, that pin has a twist to it and is sort of screwed in. The pot-metal case edge is bent over the bakelite base like Steve says, and is not intended for disassembly. I think the pin is there to keep the base from rotating of getting loose under the solenoid action. You may be able to carefully remove the lip thats around the base and remove the parts for cleaning. You could epoxy the base back in and add a few stakes.

I got as far as removing the brass stake and wiggling the base. I shot some CRC contact cleaner inside, pushed the button many times, and got the resistance down to almost 0.

Jeff

 

[CJD]

That pin just keeps the bakelite from spinning inside the outer steel casing. You won't get any access from removing it.

I cleaned mine by removing the rubber cover from the button and dowsed the opening around the button with carb cleaner, aired it out with a compressor, then used contact cleaner, followed by a final blow out. Once you start using the solenoid, they tend to be self cleaning. The little spark from each engagement burns off any accumulated dirt. The worst thing for a contact is to let it sit for years, so the brass and copper corrodes over...but even then, if you can get it to engage it will start to clean itself off. What kills the contacts is when a combustible, like oil, gets inside and fries the surfaces of the contacts.

 

[Sarastro]

New parts having low quality? Oh no, say it isn't so!!!!

Yeah, I get it. If it were me, I'd follow John's suggestion and see how it works out. If not, you can use any generic starting solenoid. There's nothing special about them.

 

[Graham H]

You are right about the aftermarket solenoids sticking on, if you can save the original you will be far better off. I have taken them apart using a small screwdriver to bend the casing away from the center part doing a small section at a time. The outside can be polished with a wire buff and you can buy a new rubber boot for the button and it will look like new.

Graham

 

[IndyTR]

You are right about the aftermarket solenoids sticking on, if you can save the original you will be far better off. I have taken them apart using a small screwdriver to bend the casing away from the center part doing a small section at a time. The outside can be polished with a wire buff and you can buy a new rubber boot for the button and it will look like new.

GrahamView attachment 73749

Oh my
what a pretty engine compartment. Dont show this to MY TR3, she will never start again just for shame lol