Starter solenoid

I am thinking my starter solenoid is crapping out on me. Yesterday it failed to engage enough to turn the engine over. I know it's the original and probably should be replaced anyway. That being said...
I am thinking a solenoid from another source should work right? I mean as long as there are two contacts to activate it and two larger bolts for activating the starter, it should work. I am just thinking about the old Ford starter solenoids that work the same as ours do. Does it maybe take more juice to activate them? I may just go pick the brain of my local auto parts store attendant and see what kind of stuff he's got there and make something work instead of buying the Yamaha solenoid. I'm almost scared to call the Yamaha dealer and see what the going price is for one (YIKES) I'll bet it'll be around $40, and I know I could get one alot cheaper then that elsewhere. Any thought? >PD<

 

several years ago I put a honda solenoid on my xj550,I dont remember the price for the correct part but I do remember it about made me crap my pants,I gave the honda parts guy the deminsions of my solenoid and he sold me one for around 15 bucks,I think I had to change a wire connector but it fit and worked great.Its been to long ago for me to remember what bike the solenoid was actualy for.

 

Ya, I figured I will have to change the wire ends (no big deal) but that;s the least of my worries. Maybe I go investigate in the scrap yard and find one to make work for the time being. I'm sure there's one that will work. I know they sell a universal solenoid also, but I don't feel like ordering it and waiting for it to be shipped.

 

This is an interesting statement that can be interpreted many ways. Most importantly is whether on not it actually engaged the engine and was too weak to turn it or if the starter spun without engaging the engine. The solenoid may not be your problem. If your starter turned weakly then it could be the starter brushes or a weak connection. If the starter turned well but didn't engage the engine then I would suspect the starter clutch.
Brushes are fairly easy to change.
The starter clutch is more difficult. Some split the cases and others have removed the rotor to replace the starter clutch rollers. Easiest fix is that the rollers are gummed up and a can of Seafoam added to the oil can free them. Add the Seafoam and place the bike on the center stand. Run the bike until warm or warm it before adding the Seafoam, and while on the center stand run the tranny through the gears. Then drain the oil at the main drain plug and the middle gear drain plug also. Change the filter also and see if things improve.

 

I just recieved a bunch of things from a XJ550, tank/emblems/petcock/gauges/stator/starter assembly, It has the Solenoid too in fairly good condition so incase u want one, lemme know

 

Hey Painter, you might just want to over-haul your existing solenoid. I did a write-up on this last year for a fellow in Estonia. Use the search function to find the thread.
Additionally, you are correct. You can use the solenoid from a great number of sources as Grunt has mentioned. A Ford solenoid will work in a pinch and does not need more current to operate. It is simply of what will fit. I would suggest you look at a solenoid off of a bike simply because you have a greater chance of it fitting correctly.
The pigtails on our solenoids can be de-soldered and re-used on the donor.

 

Thanks for the replies!
I have already went thru the electrical system (starter drive, starter, wiring, new battery, and starter & kill switches) and the starter brushes are cleaned and just like new yet. That's what tells me it has to be the solenoid. It just sticks once in awhile and I've had it apart once already, so I figure it's time for a new one to be safe. It worked fine all day yesterday, but it's just a matter of time before it leaves me stranded somewhere.
I am one for preventive maintenance and try to tackle the problem before it happens.
The Ford solenoid is alot bigger, but I think I have room to mount it where the stock chainlock box used to be. I figure it will be closer to the starter and the power lead can be shortened, which may be a plus. Then I'll just have to run the switch wires to it. That way it would always be easy to replace if it ever craps out on me again (fat chance)
I figure the Ford type solenoid has to be heavy duty compared to the cheap Yamaha solenoid. I like things that last and and looking at the one on my Ford pickup that has lasted for 17 years (140,000 miles on it) I figure it should be the last time I have solenoid issues.
I have to make a parts run today anyway and who knows what kind of stuff I'll find at the auto parts store. I'm sure there are other solenoids that may work from other autos (not sure of any other maufacturers other than Ford that uses a remote solenoid) So I will post the results later tonight after I find my "mystery" part!!! >PD<

 

Solenoid upsate:
I went to the auto parts store and bought one. Actually, I went to the small engine salesman and got one for a small engine. The ones that are used in lawn tractors, etc. are about the same as the Ford solenoids and not much smaller. I bought one and mounted it inside the rubber where the old one was and it works perfect. It was kinda tricky getting the rubber mount back onto the little tabs, but I got it eventually.
That was the problem. I played around with the old one until it eventually stuck, so I knew I needed a new one.
*For anyone who needs to replace theirs, I recommend using an automotive solenoid instead of the original Yamaha one. They are only $11 and are heavy duty, like the ones on Fords. Make sure to get one that has two tabs to activate it and not the single tab one. The two small wires that plug into your old one will go to the two small screws and the battery & starter cables go to the two larger screws. It takes only minutes to replace your original one with an automotive one and will probably last the life of the bike. >PD<

 

you got a picture of that handy? I think mine is starting to go and I am and am not somewhat mechanically inclined. I do better with visuals or direct replacement parts and have always been a bit iffy about just changing something out with another part that wasn't meant as a direct replacement. As I said earlier I think mine is starting to go as it is getting harder and harder to in the short time I have had it, and this would offer me a cost friendly alternative to one from Yamaha.

 

Blackhills,
Yes I can run out to the shop and take a photo for you. It will take me a little time to download it and post it, so hang in there...I'll be right back.

 

Here you go Blackhills. The photos aren't real clear, but it should give you an idea how it fits. It's tight, but I managed to get it in there. The one photo shows it with the screw uncovered.

 

I would've pulled it out to let you see it, but it's a b***h to get back in. If you need anymore info, you know where to find me. >PD<

Post edited, please watch the language.

 

Thanks for the pictures. They will help allot. With any luck I will be able to round up one this weekend and get it changed out. It is going to be nice and I want to ride with out having to worry if the bike will start again when I stop up in the hills.