Sticking starter solenoid

Good afternoon,

Why are you using this additional solenoid? There is no need for a second solenoid.

Roy

It's a common hot rod addition, the starter gets a jumper bar and the outer solenoid takes over for the internal contacts. The SBC generates heat out of the headers that causes the OEM solenoid on the starter to expand enough that they won't start. Have the same set-up on 2 of my vehicles. About the only way the contacts might stick would be a failing starter that is drawing far more current than it should. One of the better options over the remote solenoid these days is a high torque permanent magnet starter with the smaller body like a more modern engine. They are smaller and more powerful and don't seem to get heat soaked like the originals.

I was really hoping that it wasn't the starter. :( it is in about the worst possible place imaginable on my hot rod. (Right next to a frame rail that is not accessible from the underneath) Guess I will be checking the starter for excessive draw. Thanks

Yeah, that is the usual reason for the remote solenoid. I've seen them get hot enough that the insulation on the windings fails and they short and they start drawing a lot of current. Take a look at Speedway motors for one of their small starters. They are great because you can index the solenoid so it gives more clearance. Price wise they are about the same as a full sized unit.