echlin (napa brand)starter solenoid

Hi all,

Last week I had an issue where my starer stayed running after the car started and the key was released and removed. This ended up killing my starter which would spin when it got power, but not engaged and spin the flywheel. I traced it back to a starer solenoid that was stuck. after replacing the starter, solenoid and starer cable everything worked well for about a week.

Today I start my car and the starter stayed running again after the car fired up and when the key was removed. I quickly ran out and removed the negative battery cable (key off engine off) It stopped turning over and saved my starter. I pulled out my multimeter and found 12v on the starter side of the solenoid. Looks like another stuck solenoid. I have never had this problem before and it happens twice in a week.

My questions are, are echlin solenoids any good?
Could there be something else that is causing my solenoids to stick? (I was thinking ignition switch but its less then 3 months old) If echlins are prone to sticking is there a brand that you guys would recommend?

Thanks
Joe

I used Echlin for years with mostly good luck. Nothings perfect and it is possible to get something that is bad out of the box.
I'm not electrically gifted but I wonder if your starter is pulling more amps than it should and frying the solenoid. Maybe the starter should be tested?? Maybe some of the electrical guys can comment on this.

IMO, Motorcraft solenoids are the only way to go. I never had much luck with any aftermarket solenoids.

Good advice.

when the solenoid failed the first time I swapped out my starter with a spare I had. I guess both could be bad and draw to many amps....sure hope not.

I'm going to return this solenoid to napa and hope they exchange it. if it fails I will be testing the starter and switching to a motocraft. If not i just buy a motocraft and get the starter tested.

I will post a follow up once I have had some time with the new parts installed

Thanks again

probably made in china, like everything else, it getting harder and harder to get quality parts. I almost get excited when I buy something and it says " Made In Mexico " LOL

I had problems with Napa starter solenoids for my turbo omni. I replaced it twice. The 2nd one died within the month, and I got tired of driving across town so I went to AutoZone. Years later that starter solenoid still works great! Go figure.

I got a replacement elchin solenoid and it has worked great for a week now.... guess the first replacement solenoid was bad out of the box

a little update,

My second elchin solenoid stuck again, so instead of paying 80 for a new ford unit i went to the scrap yard and got a few used genuine ford parts. I have not had a problem with the used ford part for around a month.

just though this was worth sharing.

Cheers,