<VV> Serious starter problem

[Joel McGregor]

I hate having to replace all that lost smoke.

-----Original Message-----
From: VirtualVairs [mailto:virtualvairs-bounces at corvair.org] On Behalf Of Smitty via VirtualVairs
Subject: <VV> Serious starter problem


Joel says:  How can a low battery cause a solenoid to stick.
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Smitty says; easy.  The low battery doesn't pull the solenoid hard enough to get a firm contact between the copper disc and the internal contacts.  Lack of firm contact leads to a poor connection which in turn leads to sparking and heat at the contacts.  The arcing can tack weld the disc to the contacts which causes the starter to continue to try to turn even though there isn't enough power to allow..  Turn loose the key and the welded disc holds the solenoid in the stroked position.  The battery may not have enough power to do the job right now but it still can let all the smoke out of battery cables, terminals, and other stuff.