Gaining access to starter solenoid

[ajnsbdfr]

How can I access the starter & solenoid connections for cleaning? Recently put my '78 Spider back in service after sitting for several years. Experienced weak starter operation. Replaced the 5 year old battery. Was somewhat better, but as of last night I get nothing from turning the key, not even a click/buzz. Battery okay. Had cleaned all other battery/ground connections, so the starter/solenoid are the last places to check for corrosion. Do I need to remove my intake/carb? If so, how do I get access to the bolts etc in the center and right side?

[kmac33]

Best access is from underneath.

[surfingfreeman]

May not be solenoid or starter at all, may well be your ignition contacts, you can remedy by putting a relay into the circuit that runs from ignition to solenoid this I believe drops the amperage need to engage the solenoid/starter, to double check take a voltmeter and when you are experiencing the no start condition see what the voltage/amperage is at the solenoid I forgot what it needs to be but search the posts as it is mentioned in one of them. Good luck.
Mike

[kmead]

You can test without removing by using a length of wire from the battery to the solenoid. Remove the existing wire from the top of ti and then plug in the hot wire from the battery. The solenoid should start working. Pull the wire when the engine starts or you are tired of the starter running.

If it doesn't work its the starter and solenoid. If it does the fault lies elsewhere in the circuit.

[azruss]

here is a shadetree starter test. have some one engage the key, then whack the starter with a broom stick or a 2x4 and see if it comes to life. if it does, the solenoid is the problem.

[katsi]

I don't remember the starter solenoid being so difficult to replace. The starter on the other hand - I'm still nursing that one allong. Although, I found this ratchet at Harbor Freight that I think will reach arround and be able to get at those elusive starter bolts. Who bolts on a starter from the back anyways?

[sshanky]

Hi Guys,

I'm finding it very difficult to reach the bolts to remove the starter from my '69 124 spider. I made the mistake of pulling the wire off the top contact of the solenoid, and now I can't get it back on. I'm not sure if the solenoid is working, and I don't know how to get that wire back on!

Thanks...

[SLOSpider]

The ones I dealt with have a spade terminal. You just have to feel around in there and plug the sucker back in.

[dmwhiteoak]

It can be had without removing the starter. Just feel around and find the terminal. As SLO said, just plug the sucker back in. I'v had mine off several times.

[rodman]

You could remove it and take it to local auto parts store ( Auto Zone ) they will test it for you....

[westy64]

It can be had without removing the starter. Just feel around and find the terminal. As SLO said, just plug the sucker back in. I'v had mine off several times.

I agree.
Did the same a few times.
Easier anyway after removing the air filter unit (complete).
Then with a good light source and with your left hand, it's easy.