Starter solenoid

[Hickory]

I own a 49 c45 Chrysler royal. Every once in a while the starter just clicks, and I go under the hood and manually turn the engine over by pushing the solenoid (Bendix plunger) in and then I'll be fine for a month or so. I'm pulling the starter this winter for brushes and bearings. Can you disassemble the solenoid to clean the contact disc on these?

[desoto1939]

The autolite starter selinoid can  be rebuilt but be very caefu with this selinoid. They are hard to find at swap meets and there are no other manufacturers that made a replacement.

 

So basically you would need to find an Autolite used unit if yours even bites the dust.  In my 30+ years of going to Hershey which is one of the largest swap meest on the east coast I have only found one of these selinoids and that one was passed along to another National desoto Member.

 

rare like hens teeth I have attached an Autolite document that shows the correct starter selinoid model that you would need to have as a spare. 

 

This was taken directly from an Autolite repair manual

 

Rich Hartung

desoto1939@aol.com

Autolite Starter Controls Soleinods.pdf

[Sniper]

Usually there is a big copper disc inside the solenoid that makes contact when it's engaged.  When it makes contact it hooks the battery to the starter motor.  I've had luck cleaning them up and/or flipping them over for a fresh contact.  I imagine a machine shop could make a new one if needed.

[Dodgeb4ya]

6 hours ago, Hickory said:

I own a 49 c45 Chrysler royal. Every once in a while the starter just clicks, and I go under the hood and manually turn the engine over by pushing the solenoid (Bendix plunger) in and then I'll be fine for a month or so. I'm pulling the starter this winter for brushes and bearings. Can you disassemble the solenoid to clean the contact disc on these?

I have posted information and detailed pics of this Chrysler Autolite solenoid here before...try searching it out.

[Hickory]

I knew the disc usually could be cleaned, how hard is it to take the solenoid apart without damaging the wires to the coil I guess would be my concern. I will search for those pics when I get a holiday minute. Ty for the response

[Dodgeb4ya]

It will come apart easily

...take pic's..lots of insulators nuts and washers. Be careful not to spin the studs. Also one small wire...don't break it.

I'll post pics later today.

Edited December 24, 2019 by Dodgeb4ya

[greg g]

Atlas auto elecrtric in Syracuse, may be able to help you.  He still has a supply of nos stuff on his shelves.call John 315 454 0196, 1414 Brewerton Rd Syracuse, NY 

There is also Jerry Speath near Utica, 315 826 7892.

Edited December 25, 2019 by greg g

[chrysler1941]

I concur with the above. Flip copper disk is easy. I desoldered the copper wire in fear of bending it. 

Also removed the two copper contact bolts to surface them for better connection. But be gentle when tightening, fiber washers can break.

[Hickory]

I'm sure I can handle it?. Ben working on cars and rigs all my life. Just didn't want a surprise since nos parts are difficult to find I hear. I know the owner at Atlas and he is a different type of person. He can find anything and is pretty cheap to do business with but you are going to get it when he is ready. Sometimes quick sometimes a long time. We also have teds electric.