Startomatic solenoid

[camillitech]

Hi Chaps,

my mates ST2 startomatic has just burnt out its third starter solenoid in five years.



I know that may not sound excessive to some folks but this genny only starts around a few dozen times a year, if that, probably uses less than twenty gallons of fuel a year.

http://lifeattheendoftheroad.wordpress.com/2012/07/22/the-perfect-memento/

As it's just a backup for a solar/hydro system in a remote 'holiday let' it does not get much use but needs to be 'idiot proof'.

Is it possible that something is keeping the solenoid energized  and if so what, any ideas peeps.

Cheers, Paul

[camillitech]

Just fitted a second hand one and all seems peachy, checked the voltage at the switching terminal and its not sticking or getting warm, any ideas chaps. All the battery connections are good, though the batteries could do with replacing, which I'll do shortly. Checked the DC brushes to see if they were sticking too but all seems fine.

Cheers, Paul

[Tom]

Just guessing here, but failing batteries could do it. If there is not enough voltage in the battery to fully retract the solenoid the amperage would stay high aid it would burn. Anything else that would prevent full closure could cause that.

[camillitech]

Cheers Tom, I've just ordered two, they should be here tomorrow, at least that will rule it out. I was kinda thinking along the same lines, like the genny only starts infrequently with cold oil and low batteries so it's drawing more current than it would with a well charged battery. I'm changing the oil too to a multigrade as I seem to remember using a straight 30w last time and it's hardly been a warm summer here.

Thanks, Paul

[carlb23]

I also would agree with Tom,  If the battery's are not in good shape the voltage could drop off rapidly during starting and cause a much larger amp draw by the solenoid.