quick question....

[Elanconvert]

just started my elan after a month [doing the handbrake with a bad back.....] and it was a bit reluctant, maybe not surprising, but I did notice that the solenoid was getting very hot.....can't remember this happening to me before, and starting with the key, it wouldn't show, of course.....
is this normal, or is my solenoid faulty, or are there loose/corroded connections???
fred

[rgh0]

Sounds like a high resistance in the solenoid. Maybe one of the main terminal connections or maybe the contact inside the solenoid itself. Feel which part gets hot first - is it one of the terminals or the body itself when you use it to start the car.

cheers
Rohan

[oldchieft]

Get a test meter on dc voltage, start at the battery lead and check the voltage drop at all points along the way to the starter when the key is turned

i.e. battery to solenoid input
battery to solenoid output
battery to the starter terminal

(take the reading at the centre of the each terminal as this checks for bad connection to the terminal.)

Jon the Chief

[john.p.clegg]

Fred

This part is not meant to be serviceable but is,one has to drill out the rivets and replace them with screws,you can then gently clean the contacts etc...

John

[Elanconvert]

thanks for the tips, guys...
of course, this afternoon it started instantly, so solenoid didn't have time to warm up!!!
will try it later.....
just checked the price of a new one from SM, and it's very reasonable [glad it's not a S2...]
fred