Starter Solenoid issues

[JeremyD]

Having been through 4 or 5 ‘Lucas’ push button starter solenoids, I decided to buy a Durite one in August last year. It has now failed just like the others.

All of a sudden after a drive, either immediately after or the next day, the car won’t start. Not even a click. Even the pushbutton does nothing. Of course shorting across the terminals with a screwdriver gets the car started. Replacing the solenoid always fixes the issue for a while.

Does anyone have any thoughts?

[TECH396]

This answer may seem too obvious but at the risk of sounding silly, Are you using Original Parts?
I've seen nothing but problems with the "Green Box" Lucas Chinese junk.
So, if that what you've been using, try to find some NOS Genuine ones from when they used better materials, and give them a try.
Seems the modern parts are not what they used to be.

[Herbert]

I would double check all the wires that go into the solenoid. Youve got a short somewhere.

[JeremyD]

I would double check all the wires that go into the solenoid. Youve got a short somewhere.

Surely if it was a wiring problem, the push button would still work, but it doesn’t. Plus they usually work for about 20 starts before failing.

I would love to buy a NOS solenoid, but from where?

I know new Lucas is rubbish quality, which is why I tried Durite !

[Andrew1967]

Probably best to avoid anything 'brand new' whether Durite or Lucas to be honest, as probably both are made in the same crap Chinese factory.

Chances are, a used original Lucas one or maybe Intermotor will be fine and will go on for years.

NOS ones do come up on the usual site occasionally or maybe someone on here could help if you posted a wanted ad up.

[TECH396]

I would double check all the wires that go into the solenoid. Youve got a short somewhere.

Surely if it was a wiring problem, the push button would still work, but it doesn’t. Plus they usually work for about 20 starts before failing.

I would love to buy a NOS solenoid, but from where?

I know new Lucas is rubbish quality, which is why I tried Durite !

Even the Durite stuff is likely made of less quality materials, based on what i can see. All looks Chinese garb to me.

[bwaminispeed]

You might try taking a failed one apart, and, see what the actual failure is.......just drill out the 4 rivets.....

If there is not even a click, sounds like a break in the wire going to the solenoid coil itself......

Quite possibly an easy fix....

[Peter Laidler]

Good idea there from BWA there. Un-rivet the non working one, take a few photos and let us all have a look.

Are the key operated solenoids - without the push button - as troublesome. I ask in case it's something connected to the push button part

[Nick W]

You might try taking a failed one apart, and, see what the actual failure is.......just drill out the 4 rivets.....

If there is not even a click, sounds like a break in the wire going to the solenoid coil itself......

Quite possibly an easy fix....

Don't think you can get into the push button solenoids without cutting them open.
The later square ones seem to be more readily available nos

[Polarsilver]

I have Durite Aux Solenoids and not had any issue other than the Rubber Cap will try to fall off .. I found Durite stuff to be ok throughout many years .
Why not send back your "Failed" Durite Solenoid to Durite & see what they say

[JeremyD]

Why not send back your "Failed" Durite Solenoid to Durite & see what they say

Good idea

[indigo]

I have had a couple of the new green box lucas ones fail. These are the square ones with no push button.
These have one small spade termial for the starter wire from ignition,
And a provision for a second spade termianl molded into the plastic - not sure what this is about.
Drilled the rivets out to pull them apart.
Both have had water in them and rust to the coil, probably from washing uner the bonnet.
On inspection I found they have a small hole in the top of the plastic for the second spade termial.
Water gets in and then rust.
From memory, they have rubber seals where all other parts join to keep water out.
If I needed to use another of these I would seal the small hole and it would probably be good.
Ended up finding and old one and repairing it by pulling it appart and cleaning up the high amp contactors.
Why do I keep so much old crap?

[TECH396]

You might try taking a failed one apart, and, see what the actual failure is.......just drill out the 4 rivets.....

If there is not even a click, sounds like a break in the wire going to the solenoid coil itself......

Quite possibly an easy fix....

Don't think you can get into the push button solenoids without cutting them open.
The later square ones seem to be more readily available nos

As a thought. (If originality isn't important to you), why don't you just install a later NOS square one. They do the same thing. Some made late 60s also have a small red push button, which still allows you to bypass the key, just like your original one does. 76766 Lucas #
You can also buy or make the flat metal adapter plate needed to mount it at the same location.

[JeremyD]

I removed the Durite solenoid this morning. When you shake it, it has a rattle of something quite heavy. I have sent it back for them to investigate. Poor show really.

[Stopped-again]

Have a look at this one

[JeremyD]

Durite have sent a new one which is installed and working. It remains to be seen for how long.

For authenticity I prefer rubber push button type.