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Spitfire Spitfire Starter Solenoid

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doates

doates

Senior Member
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Hi,

when trying to start my 70 Spit I get a clunk out of the solenoid but the starter barely spins. The solenoid is only outputting 8 volts at the solenoid terminal. Do I need a new one or is this repairable? Connections are tight.

Thanks in Advance

Dennis
 
Have you checked the voltage at the battery terminal <span style="font-weight: bold">while </span>trying to crank the engine? Or an easier way is to measure the voltage across the solenoid (stud to stud) while trying to crank the engine.

I've never had any luck trying to clean the contacts and reuse them. Once they are that bad, IMO it's time for a new one.
 
Before giving up and buying a new solenoid, I'd want to clean up any and all major cable connections to battery, ground, solenoid and starter. As Randall notes, it might be difficult (and fruitless) to try to clean/repair the solenoid itself, but I suspect all you've got is some bad connections. Been there, done that....
 
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