Starter solenoid-??????

[rgoot01]

would it be possible to use a starter solenoid from a car or truck , like I have on my '72 ford, to start my bike. The old solenoid is bad and I just want to start the bike.

[bikerphil]

Yes you can, it works the same way. Problem you might have is the automotive ones are probably larger and might not fit under the side cover. Possibly could be relocated? BTW, the stock unit can be disassembled and repaired, someone has written a good tech tip on this.

[rgoot01]

Thanks for the quick reply. I found the thread on rebuilding the solenoid also. I think I will probably use the auto style however, because I have chopped the frame and mounting the new solenoid would be easier with auto style.

[rgoot01]

Installed starter solenoid on bike that is for 72 ford f-100. The problem now is that when you turn the key to on and switch to run it turns engine without using start button.
Why would it be doing this?

Thaks,
Rob

[CatatonicBug]

Installed starter solenoid on bike that is for 72 ford f-100. The problem now is that when you turn the key to on and switch to run it turns engine without using start button.
Why would it be doing this?

Thaks,
Rob

Your starter switch is probably shorting. Check continuity on the wires to the switch. They should not have continuity unless the button is pressed.

[rgoot01]

Can you explain more in detail? When I check wires at switch I beep on 3 of the four lugs on solenoid. The starter turns even with button disconnected at solenoid. This is the only lug on solenoid I don't get a beep from.

[CatatonicBug]

There are 4 connections. Usually 2 large, and 2 small.
1 large - positive battery connection
2 large - line to starter (and the TCI)
3 small - line to switch
4 small - line to switch

There should be no connection between 3 & 4 unless the starter button is pressed. Releasing the starter button (thereby cutting the electicity to the starter) is the only thing that stops the starter from spinning. If the switch is shorted somewhere, and is not disconnecting, that could be what is allowing the starter to spin as soon as the key is powered on.

[MeatTooth]

I think I know what's going on.....I did the same thing to mine The blue with white stripe wire grounds out on the bottom metal mounting plate of the solenoid. But the bottom mounting plate cannot be grounded to the frame that's why mine is mounted to a board and the board is mounted to the frame.........it's the only way I could get my Ford solenoid to work. here's a pic

[rgoot01]

Thanks meattooth, thats exactly whats going on. I'll do it like you have yours set up and give her a try.

[CatatonicBug]

Ahh! That's why the stock solenoid is suspended in a rubber "sling"! Good to know!

[rgoot01]

I think I know what's going on.....I did the same thing to mine The blue with white stripe wire grounds out on the bottom metal mounting plate of the solenoid. But the bottom mounting plate cannot be grounded to the frame that's why mine is mounted to a board and the board is mounted to the frame.........it's the only way I could get my Ford solenoid to work. here's a pic

Thanks for the help. I hooked up the solenoid as you have done in the pic and now everything works fine. The difference in my mounting however is that I found some rubber isolators at the local True Value which allow me to mount it to the steel plate I had welded in place and the isolators keep it from grounding.

Thanks again,
Rob

[MeatTooth]

Glad to save you some trouble.........when I hooked mine up for the first time I had everything buttoned up and the starter almost burnt up while I was trying to figure out what was going on.