I've destroyed yet another starter solenoid... Cono at MiniCraft is stumped. They have all been Lucas ones, and Cono said that he's never had a problem with the Lucas ones, but has had problems with the knock-off ones. If this solenoid goes, I'll have to buy a heavy duty starter motor, as that is the only thing I can think of that would affect the durability of a solenoid...

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Jonathan
http://photobucket.com/albums/y64/FatMaserati/

make sure its earthed 100% properly as if its not earthed it will chatter causing arcing and then you wont get any contact across the contacts.

Also what starter are you running as that will also draw heavy load across the contacts if your starter is not 100%.

ditto what he said dodgy earths cause that sort of drama... but if you want to try something different have a word to "convertablemini" on here.. hope thats the correct spelling... he builds special hi power starters for minis. very knowledgeable chap.

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No longer Ms Westwoods mini outside her original kings road shop

If the problem persists, You could also go for a new pre-engaged starter which has the solenoid built in i believe?

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Starlet Conversion:
http://www.ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=15484

time to fit a gemini statter i think

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lookin for another clubby

Yeah I agree about the earthing. Make 110% sure that your earth strap for your starter motor is clean on both ends etc...

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Lillee - 1969 Morris Mini K

Yeah, the earths were the first things I checked. All perfect. And yeah, I do need a Gemini starter. About $150.

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Jonathan
http://photobucket.com/albums/y64/FatMaserati/

Could also get ur starter checked to make sure its not polling and drawing excess current?

take about $110 off that..... just get a tested one from a wreckrs and file out the mounting holes, thats all that the resellers do.....

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lookin for another clubby

You could go the Gemini with a bit of work from the wreckers..and don't pay that price..

They're second hand and you don't know what your getting $40 is good

I personally went for a NEW uprated mini one from MG Heritage..i think it was about $160, spins the motor like a top, it's pre-engaged, comes with a 2 year warranty and drops straight in..what more could you want

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Starlet Conversion:
http://www.ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=15484

G'Day,
Gemini starter was $25 at my local wrecker, the guy tested it for me before I bought it and i "jiggled" the shaft to feel the bearings. I dismantled it and clamped the front mounting plate to the bed of a drill press, then used a half inch end mill as if it were a drill bit to cut the slots. A drill bit is no good as it will wander (everyone who has tried to drill two holes too close to each other will know what I mean ) - The end mill is flat - Go slowly as it tends to grab ( the reason for clamping the job) but should be no drama as the work piece is easy machine grade aluminium alloy. Dont forget the sacrificial bit of flat wood under the job or you will have fun when you start machining your steel drill press bed!
On mine I was not satisfied with the depth of engagement of the starter gear teeth and I machined 3mm of the face that bolts on to the motor. Not strictly necessary, but was easy enough using "outside jaws" and a live centre on the lathe.
Only downside, my oil cooler had to go but does not seem to have made much difference.
Dino.

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Over 1,000,000Km, but now my retirement restoration project

If you have an Oil Cooler, the pre-engaged starters from Heritage MG fit. At least it does on a clubby...

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Starlet Conversion:
http://www.ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=15484

it still sounds like an earth, have you checked ur iggnition wiring??

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68' Morris, 1100,

Willson Automotive
Tasmania's ONLY mini Specialists
(03) 62725056

http://photobucket.com/albums/a323/the_white_one/

Yeah, ALL THE EARTHS ARE PROPERLY DONE. Just to clarify that, ALLT HE EARTHS ARE FINE, CORRECT, EXACT, WORKING 100%.

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Jonathan
http://photobucket.com/albums/y64/FatMaserati/

I've had probs with the knockoff (Echlin) ones but not Lucas..
Maybe they make solenoids now like the new brake light switches...

I'd think about a different brand- like Bosch or something. It's just a starter solenoid- you don't have to have Lucas.. unless it's a show victim or trailer queen...

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.