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Bus Discussion => Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) => Topic started by: zimtok on September 02, 2011, 08:29:20 AM

Title: Lights Dimming Cont...
Post by: zimtok on September 02, 2011, 08:29:20 AM
Remember when I had the problem of my lights dimming when I made a right had turn????


Well I think I found the problem finally.

The starter solenoid has a spring that keeps the contact from touching the terminals unless the solenoid it activated to start the engine.
WELL...
The spring had failed and as I turned right the the contact disc would run the started motor. Because it was running without the solenoid engaging there was no damage to the Bendix gear or the flywheel.

I will be sourcing a new solenoid but for now I just inserted a new spring and cleaned and turned the one terminal contact around for a better connection.

The first photo shows the broken spring on the end of the contact disc and the contact terminal burned down to half its thickness...

The second photo shows the new spring on the contact disc and the burned terminal cleaned and turned around to fresh unburned material...

.
Title: Re: Lights Dimming Cont...
Post by: robertglines1 on September 02, 2011, 08:32:36 AM
I would define that as a GHOST   . good catch.  those electrical ghost are the worst kind to find.   new one on me!   Bob
Title: Re: Lights Dimming Cont...
Post by: Lin on September 02, 2011, 09:59:47 AM
It seems that, contrary to what Einstein said, there are infinite clever mechanical failures built into a bus.

"Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former."
Albert Einstein
Title: Re: Lights Dimming Cont...
Post by: zimtok on September 02, 2011, 10:50:36 AM
I found this replacement starter solenoid online for $43+ standard shipping brought it up to $51

http://www.smithcoelectric.com/servlet/the-209/1115606-1119879-1969198-1115556/Detail (http://www.smithcoelectric.com/servlet/the-209/1115606-1119879-1969198-1115556/Detail)


NAPA locally had 2 in stock but at the price of $151 I opted to order the one online.



.
Title: Re: Lights Dimming Cont...
Post by: Len Silva on September 02, 2011, 10:55:57 AM
How did you ever find it?  Could you hear the solenoid kicking in as you turned? Another set of ears in the back?  That one seems like it was a challenge.
Title: Re: Lights Dimming Cont...
Post by: bevans6 on September 02, 2011, 12:54:39 PM
I'm with Len -  how the HECK did you find that one?  There is no way I would have figured that out unless the starter hung on at some point.

Good Job!

Brian
Title: Re: Lights Dimming Cont...
Post by: Busted Knuckle on September 02, 2011, 11:10:39 PM
Eddie did you check with ACC rebuilders down on Crump? (853 Crump Blvd)  901-774-5874
;D  BK  ;D