Solenoid clicks but my Mk3 won't kick over

Did the jump test and failed. Not to find a solenoid solution. Andover Norton has one for $50 plus $10 shipping. Can't find any in the US. Anybody have any good suggestions? I've heard some people are using a mini solenoid or other car options with mixed results. And some are using a cheap relay which I know nothing about. Would prefer to stay as stock as possible whenever reasonable. But open to options.
That's Now to find a solenoid solution.
 
Have you checked with Walridge in Canada? Solenoids for the Mk3 turn up on eBay from time to time. Buying used parts is always a risk. If you can't wait, you will have to order a new sample from either Canada or the UK (Andover).

- Knut
 
To re-plow yesterdays ground re load testing, I simply load test by measuring battery voltage with a high wattage headlamp connected across the terminals. I have not found a battery that held voltage in this circumstance turn out bad.
 
Just use a Ford solenoid, will get the part # in a couple days. Bolts right up.
Solenoid clicks but my Mk3 won't kick over
 
If you want to keep the bike original, you could drill out the rivets open it up and give the contacts a clean up, then use small nuts and bolts to hold it back together. Worth a try.
 
Ford solenoid:


- Knut
Thanks! I ordered a 4 terminal one on Amazon for 16 bucks. Chinese built of course. Should do the job. Will save the old one and open it up and clean the brushes for a later date. Now to figure out where the oil leak is coming from. It's got me baffled. And I need to find some motor mount nuts. CCNW has full bolt kit for $99 but I just need a few unlock nuts to fit the existing bolts.
 
Thanks! I ordered a 4 terminal one on Amazon for 16 bucks. Chinese built of course. Should do the job. Will save the old one and open it up and clean the brushes for a later date. Now to figure out where the oil leak is coming from. It's got me baffled. And I need to find some motor mount nuts. CCNW has full bolt kit for $99 but I just need a few unlock nuts to fit the existing bolts.
So, the engine TURNED OVER when you jumped the big terminals on the starter relay?
 
No, it didn't turn over. I put the cables on the battery.
In post #4, @cliffa mentioned a quick, roadside test to prove viability of several components.


"Take a hefty chunk of metal and short the two pillar terminals on the solenoid, if the motor spins over, the solenoid is kaput, if not the battery is."
 
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Had a similar issue on a different bike. Relay and battery turned out to be fine but due to a duff aftermarket start button, it wasn’t getting sufficient voltage to pull it in.
 
Had a similar issue on a different bike. Relay and battery turned out to be fine but due to a duff aftermarket start button, it wasn’t getting sufficient voltage to pull it in.
Interesting. I've got the original start button, which looks great on the outside but a bit oxidated on the inside. Has all worked great up until now. Will put the new solenoid on when I get it to see if that solves my problem then go from there.
 
In post #4, @cliffa mentioned a quick, roadside test to prove viability of several components.


"Take a hefty chunk of metal and short the two pillar terminals on the solenoid, if the motor spins over, the solenoid is kaput, if not the battery is."
Hafta admit I was a bit worried about shorting out the system, but can still try this I suppose. Have a solenoid coming in a few days anyway. And the starter didn't kick over with a jump so I'm thinking it's the solenoid. But will let you know. Any body know an American company where I can get engine mount 3/8" UNF self lock nuts? Andover has them but shipping is $25.
 
Hafta admit I was a bit worried about shorting out the system, but can still try this I suppose. Have a solenoid coming in a few days anyway. And the starter didn't kick over with a jump so I'm thinking it's the solenoid. But will let you know. Any body know an American company where I can get engine mount 3/8" UNF self lock nuts? Andover has them but shipping is $25.
Just about any hardware store in the USA . Most likely less than 50 cents at Home Depot
 
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