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Starter Solenoid.....How to test

To: "'Spitfire List'" <spitfires@Autox.Team.Net>
Subject: Starter Solenoid.....How to test
From: Chris Prugh <prubrew@ix.netcom.com>
Date: Mon, 30 Mar 1998 03:53:39 -0800
Cc: "'Triumph List'" <triumphs@Autox.Team.Net>
Listers,

        So...I fire up the Spitfar, roll her out into the crisp morning sunshine
to give her a well deserved bath.  Finish the wash, grab the wallet, hop in and
turn the key.....nothing.  I turn the radio on, nothing.  As I turn the key, 
the tach
needle slightly hops, indicating some initial electrical flow.  The horn 
circuit 
makes a slightly audible, noise...other that that...nothing.

        Pop the hood, get the multi meter and start checking....for the next 
thirty 
minutes I'm checking voltage, removing connections and replacing, generally
drying things off by hand.  Whatever this is was no doubt caused by the water
I had just showered upon her.  I am becoming embarrased as neighbors are now
embarking upon their Sunday morning ventures, no doubt giggling and whispering 
to themselves..."there goes Chris and that little auto shop project of his 
again".
I don't mind them thinking it always needs attention, but I hate when I can't 
get it
to roar to life and blow past them with that wild eyed, sh*t eating grin.  That 
usually 
has them peering through their minivan windshield with the lustful envy I've 
seen so 
often from my aging peers.

        Now, I'm no Dan Masters, but as far as I could tell, all was OK.  All 
this
time I was checking the ignition switch after each step in the 
process....nothing.
So, I am becoming increasingly frustrated about now, the morning chill is 
receding, 
the water drying in big ugly spots across my fading Pimento bonnet.  I get out 
my
big ugly prybar/screwdriver and jump the terminals on the solenoid.  The starter
makes its familiar musical whir.  I come around to the cockpit, turn the 
key...and 
she fires right up!

        So...to cut this to the chase...how do you know when a solenoid is 
going out?
What else should I have checked?  Is there anything better than a nice long 
Spring 
time drive with the sounds of Opening Day on your radio?

Gotta go...thanks in advance

Chris Prugh
72 Spitfar
Morgan Hill, CA


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