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re: battery dead syndrome

To: <triumphs-digest@autox.team.net>
Subject: re: battery dead syndrome
From: "Roy" <techman@metrolink.net>
Date: Sun, 14 May 2000 22:39:29 -0400charset="Windows-1252"
Importance: Normal
>Cross said symptoms seem like dead battery when ignition is on. Able to
jump start, but not restart.>

I think the problem is with the internals of the solenoid. The solenoid has
an internal switch that is engaged to momentarily activate the Bendix
pull-in to make the starter's pinion engage with the flywheel and it also
has an internal switch to momentarily disconnect the ignition circuitry
while the high amperage current is initiated to the starter motor, then cut
back in the ignition circuitry so the ignition will fire. This internal
switch has gone bad. Usually it is the contacts have become damaged due to
arcing or they only intermittently make contact due to either wearout or
sloppiness that has developed within the starter motor/Bendix thrust
washers, etc.

Your best bet is to replace at least the solenoid, but you are better off
replacing the entire starter and solenoid because the sequence described
above only works well and reliably when all the parts are not worn. As parts
wear, you are on borrowed time.

I have had this problem with 4 cars over the years -- a Chevy diesel truck,
a Chevy Celebrity, a Lincoln and a Jeep. The symptom is you think everthing
is fine, then all of a sudden nothing happens when you turn the key. It
usually will start if you jump it off and it may even re-start OK for a
while. Eventually, it gets to where you are playing the lottery as to
whether anything is going to happen when you turn the key.

Roy
'60 TR3a TS63103LO (in restoration)
techman@metrolink.net


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