Kaiser Frazer Owners Club Forum

General Category => Henry J & Allstate Forum => Topic started by: westworks on February 24, 2011, 06:40:58 PM

Title: 1953 Henry J starter solenoid
Post by: westworks on February 24, 2011, 06:40:58 PM

I need a starter solenoid for my 1953 HJ using a Delco-Remy starter requiring a solenoid with the open plunger and linkage.   Can anyone help?

Title: Re: 1953 Henry J starter solenoid
Post by: Fid on February 24, 2011, 08:30:23 PM

It's a Delco-Remy 1118135. The same solenoid that was used on some GM cars of the era - Corvette, Pontiac and some others.  NAPA still carries it but it's around $90.  
There's one on ebay right now -
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Starter-Solenoid-1950s-Cadillac-Buick-Henry-J-Corvette-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem5adf2fe17dQQitemZ390291513725QQptZVintageQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

otherwise, the NAPA part number is ECH ST110  and www.napaonline.com lists it at $89.99.  

Here's the picture they show
(http://partimages.genpt.com/partimages/101006.jpg)
And here's the listing:
http://www.napaonline.com/Search/Detail.aspx?R=ECHST110_0169966813#

A couple of things to check before if you haven't already:  The starter button itself can cause the solenoid to just click. The Delco solenoid takes a lot of current and as a result the starter buttons burn up frequently on the '53 Js. One test is to get a good size (gauge/diameter) jumper wire ( a set of jumper cables would work) and connect the negative battery terminal (assuming the car is still the original positve ground set up) directly to the top middle terminal on the solenoid and see if the starter spins (Make sure the car is out of gear of course).  If it does, the problem is likely the starter button. I haven't seen a '53 J with an original button in it and I've replaced several in mine over the years, one as recently as last spring. You can also take a screwdriver and lay it across the solenoid terminal that the battery cable goes to, then touch it against the center top terminal and if the starter spins, it's the starter button or associated wiring that's causing the problem.
If you need a starter button, this one works great and you can use the original bezel to fasten it.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/HD-Push-Button-Start-Switch-d-sntx-/290538113238?pt=Vintage_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Make%3AHenry+J&hash=item43a56bc8d6

Title: Re: 1953 Henry J starter solenoid
Post by: westworks on February 25, 2011, 10:16:49 AM

Thanks, Fid, Valuable help and very much appreciated.

Title: Re: 1953 Henry J starter solenoid
Post by: Fid on March 03, 2011, 04:41:04 PM

Here's a rebuild kit for the solenoid -

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NORS-1949-1953-Soleniod-Repair-Kit-Chevy-Olds-Henry-J-/360344885169?pt=Vintage_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item53e63a97b1

I think you need a very large solder iron or perhaps a torch to solder one the pieces of it onto the old one... if I remember correctly.  I could be wrong about that. 

Title: Re: 1953 Henry J starter solenoid
Post by: kfnut on March 05, 2011, 11:06:54 AM

WESTWORKS . I found a six volt solenoid on EBAY for $38 and change plus shipping . I typed in " starter solenoid six volt " to find it . I recieved it fast and it fit just right .

Title: Re: 1953 Henry J starter solenoid
Post by: Quadromaniac on May 08, 2011, 10:52:08 AM

Had my starter rebuilt at Gen Star in Glendale Az. this week New solenoid, starter drive, brushes. The works on the inside.It only cost $103.00 labor and all. They did a terrific job even painted it nice and black. The starter does an excellent job. I will use the guys any time I need elcctrical work.