Does anyone have the actual physical measurements of a Ford type starter solenoid that they used? Or the # 17774 solenoid from Mid USA?
I figured I have time for one more winter project and after reading and understanding how the solenoid could stick I would like to prevent that from happening.
The bike it would be going on is a ‘80 FXE and I was thinking the best place room wise is under the seat on top of the oil tank. I would probably glue a rubber pad on the tank and the solenoid would rest there. I could also make a band that would go around the right side frame tube to fasten it to.
If anyone has measurements or pictures how they did theirs that would be great.
Thanks Jerry

 

i use the DUCATI type solenoid relays, small & very reliable,
quite cheap & better than the stock Harley type which are just old car or truck parts from the 60's adapted for use on Harleys

 

Harley went to a Bosch relay in later years. The ford type won't fit under the seat, it's about 2.5" x 2.5" x 3" if I recall, with all the terminals.

 

If you want it historically correct, I can appreciate that, but if simply want it to work all you really need is a standard, 30 amp Bosch type relay. Much easier to mount, basically trouble free and inexpensive ($15)

That's the same solenoid and starter used on early Evos which use the Bosch type. Mine's 35 years old, still has original relay.

Post 85 - ground
Post 86 - (+) from handlebar starter button
Post 30 - (+) from load side of main breaker
Post 87 - small post on solenoid

 

thats the type that used to come with the CANONBALL STEALTH STARTER kit,
but was replaced by the Ducati type after a few months & many failours, they had problems with them not standing up to the vibrations on a Harley
& jamming on, they used the ROTEK made ones, the same quality as the BMW ones & probaby the same make just badged for BMW.,..
i found them very light & easily damaged where as the Ducati ones are built in a steel shell & just feel tougher.
the Ducati one has been on mine for about 15 months now without a problem.

this is what Canonball now send with the kits, but available elsewhere for a lot less folding....
W&W Cycles - Replacement Parts - Starter Relais for StealthStarter Kick Drive and Pull Starter (wwag.com)

 

i still have the original one on my 80 lowrider

 

i still have the ROTEK one & will use it on something at some point, but a month after I got the kit from W&W I got the updated one in the post & a letter explaining why the change,
I had used it without a problem 10 or 15 times & only changed it as it was free & did seem better built,
but always have a pair of insulated cable cutters handy incase it get stuck on,
I had it happen with the stock Harley set up on an FXS I had years ago & watched the wires melt & smoke till it killed the battery.....