Solenoid Wiring Hook-up
 

I took out my starter to change my solenoid (intermittent problems). I noticed there were 3 wiring locations with 2 attached (battery and something else). There was a 3rd wire hanging down with no connecter end (and not connected). Any thoughts about what this is? Does it need to be attached?

Re: Solenoid Wiring Hook-up
 

If you have an HEI distributor and the wire is yellow you don't need it....

LockDoc

Re: Solenoid Wiring Hook-up
 

Not HEI. Original. Apparently the other is the switch. Not sure as to the other wire.

Re: Solenoid Wiring Hook-up
 

Wire from the neutral start switch to the "S" terminal on the solenoid is a 10 or 12 Ga purple wire. The wire from the coil to the "R" terminal on the solenoid is a small yellow wire. I don't remember what Ga it is.

LockDoc

Re: Solenoid Wiring Hook-up
 

It's odd because I don't think it was connected. It definitely doesn't have a connector and is a bit shorter. Will is start with just the switch and power?

Re: Solenoid Wiring Hook-up
 

Had it been starting OK before you removed the starter? With a points distributor the Yellow wire from the solenoid (R) post supplies a full 12 volts to the coil when the engine is cranking over. After it starts the voltage to the coil drops to 6-8 volts through the resistor wire.

LockDoc

Re: Solenoid Wiring Hook-up
 

Like doc said. The points wire is closet to the frame rail when the starter is installed. The ign switch is closest to the block.

Re: Solenoid Wiring Hook-up
 

It must be the points wire. It was starting fine (except for the solenoid not kicking out fully.