Solonoid?

[RobMan]

O.K. all you geniuses out there... (that means anyone smarter 'n me), I got this maybe narrowed down.
I checked the emergency cutoff (good), replaced coils (good w/ spark), replaced pick-ups (ohms good) and shorting across solonoid cranks, but no start.
Also, shorted across start button connection, but no go.
So, is this solonoid bad?
I haven't checked vacuum advance yet, is next in line after I get starter prob ironed out.
Thanks XSively Xsesers.

[nashville_bill]

RobMan,

Well, the solenoid won't keep it from starting if the starter is cranking the engine. This is probably a stupid question, but did you get good spark while the starter was cranking over? If so, make sure the spark plug wires are going to the correct cylinders and the coil inputs are connected to the right wires. You could use a timing light to check this. If that looks right, you might look at the fuel system. Has it been sitting for a while?

If you have good spark, fuel, compression and it is happening at the right time, it will start. So, you just have to find the one that you are missing.

[RobMan]

Thanks Nash,
I did have a good spark out of 1 & 3, didn't check 2 & 4 then, but will run all wires again to make sure of connections and check.
Someone else told me to touch the wire to positive from the solenoid/solonoid out to the black box?? If it didn't crank then, it's a bad sol. Es correcto?
Same person also suggested checking kick-stand switch (not sure I got me one) to see if it is jilfarted.
Then, said check starter button to positive to see if cranks.
Yeah, it's been sittin', but I only put the carbs back on after a rebuild and replace of some bodies and all parts just prior to this. I posted awhile back about "rubber caps" and got some mixed info with no clear answers on that one.

[nashville_bill]

One of your coils is connected to 1 & 4 and the other is connected to 2 & 3, so you should be getting spark to all of you cylinders. However, if the primary wires are going to the wrong coils, you wouldn't be getting the spark to the cylinders at the correct time. Thats why I suggested checking the spark with a timing light. If it checks OK, then I would look for fuel problems.

I think the kick stand switch is only on XJs. My '81 doesn't have one.