starter selniod

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Jun 2, 2009 | 05:20 PM

dirty78ironhead

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starter selniod

I have been trying fix my 78 some of you have given good advice and I check everything but still couldn't get it to start by using the button I finally gave in and took it to a shop the end result being needing to add some " wafers " in the soleniod so it make contact with the top and bottom lugs to start the bike. I have never heard of this and neither had the wrench that was doing the work he was stumped and called his guy he ownes a starter rebuild shop. So has anyone heard of this ? I was chasing what I thought was the problem all damn winter can it really be that simple ?

Thanks
T-Ron

Jun 2, 2009 | 05:33 PM

IronMick

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From: London, ON Canada

The solenoid is a simple device inside. I would suggest that you dismantle it yourself, clean up the inside with spray can electrical contacts cleaner, and see exactly how it works.

Jun 2, 2009 | 05:55 PM

dirty78ironhead

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Ya I have a couple apart and what I think he is talking about is a thin disk on top of the plunger that makes the connection I was just thinking that with all of the problems that come up on this board someone would have mentioned the wafer becuase I can push it in by hand just a little and it will spin the starter motor like it should so to me the wafer makes a lot of sense

Thanks
T-Ron

Jun 2, 2009 | 09:19 PM

IronMick

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From: London, ON Canada

I forgot to mention above that i too have not heard of this wafer. I do know that the old sol's have a copper washer while the new ones, especially those foreign made ones, have an inferior steel washer in there.

Jun 2, 2009 | 09:57 PM

pococj

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From: Texas! Ya mean there's someplace else?

OK, the wafer, or washer, is known as a movable contact. The really good ones are silver plated copper. The OK ones are copper. I haven't seen but one with a steel contact, but that's 'cause I rebuilt that one and used a stainless steel washer to replace a badly pitted and burnt factory piece. Dang thing lasted the rest of the time I owned the bike! I did take it apart every winter, clean everything out, and dress the stationary contacts.

A rebuild kit usually consists of two stationary contacts, the movable contact, gasket, and a boot. Often simply cleaning and dressing the stationary contacts, and turning the movable contact over so you have a fresh surface.