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Topic: Start and Boost Solenoid install  (Read 343 times) previous topic - next topic

Start and Boost Solenoid install

I'm in the process of changing the battery isolator ( Victron), the two solenoids (start and Boost), and the auto breakers on the panel in the engine compartment area.
Its not easy getting in to the panel to access everything so I removed the entire panel and now I'm trying to replace the components while struggling with all the wires. I re-installed the panel after un-fastening everything that was mounted with all the new components. I left everything wired but dangling by the wires so I could transfer the wiring to the new components ( mounted on the panel) and hopefully get everything back to where its supposed to be.
Its hard to read some of the factory wire labels and follow the schematic since the labels are old and hard to get to, to read.

Do the solenoids have to be mounted to the steel panel to ground In order to work? ( I'm trying to check things as I go before I struggle to transfer all the small wiring to the mounted panel)

I removed this panel last year and have not had a chance to get back to this re-installation until now ( two knee replacements kept me from crawling around to finish) my memory of the removal has faded some but I do remember a red wire that bridged between the solenoids, I thought I read somebody reporting that that wire is no longer needed with the Victron isolator, is this accurate?

I also remember a black wire falling off after the removal last year and made a mental note at the time that it was a ground wire, I see on the wiring schematic that there is a wire that looks to me as a layman that is open, is this the ground wire I'm thinking of?

Thank you for your input!

1995 U320C SE 40'
Jeep 4x4 Commander - Limited - Hemi
"The Pack"  Yogi and Diesel our Airedales -  Charlie our Boxer/Akita mix. Gone but NEVER forgotten Jake our yellow Lab.
NRA Law Enforcement Firearms instructor - Handgun/shotgun
Regional Firearms instructor for national Armored Transp. Co.

Re: Start and Boost Solinoid install

Reply #1
Do the solenoids have to be mounted to the steel panel to ground In order to work?
I can answer one of your questions.  The solenoids come in two styles.  They all have the two large posts for the heavy battery cables.  In addition, some solenoids have one small post, and some have two small posts.

If the solenoid has one small post, then it grounds through the mounting bracket.  In that case, it must either be mounted to a metal grounded plate, OR a wire must be run from the mounting bracket to a good ground.

If the solenoid has two small posts, then one of the small posts (either one) is a ground connection, and the other is the activation connection.  In that case, it doesn't matter what surface the solenoid is mounted on.
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Start and Boost Solinoid install

Reply #2
Thanks, I have two small posts on both solenoids, the originals both had one post.
Does it matter what small posts are used?
1995 U320C SE 40'
Jeep 4x4 Commander - Limited - Hemi
"The Pack"  Yogi and Diesel our Airedales -  Charlie our Boxer/Akita mix. Gone but NEVER forgotten Jake our yellow Lab.
NRA Law Enforcement Firearms instructor - Handgun/shotgun
Regional Firearms instructor for national Armored Transp. Co.

Re: Start and Boost Solinoid install

Reply #3
Does it matter what small posts are used?
No, they are interchangeable.  Connect ground wire to either one, power (activation) wire to the other.
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Start and Boost Solinoid install

Reply #4
New question regarding the throttle; I have transferred all the connections to the solenoids but have not finished changing over the breakers and relays, several have not been connected yet.
I wanted to see if the engine would start, it did, but I have no throttle now.
I assume that the throttle is connected to one of the relays or breakers still waiting to be reconnected.
I looked at all the wiring diagrams and did not see anything labeled throttle listed in the wiring diagrams that has the isolator area covered.
Is there a connection on the isolator panel for the throttle?

I have not started the engine for over 1 year and I'm assuming that this is just a connection problem that will be solved when all the isolator area connections are finished, If there is not a connection here for the throttle I will have to look elsewhere.

Thanks!
1995 U320C SE 40'
Jeep 4x4 Commander - Limited - Hemi
"The Pack"  Yogi and Diesel our Airedales -  Charlie our Boxer/Akita mix. Gone but NEVER forgotten Jake our yellow Lab.
NRA Law Enforcement Firearms instructor - Handgun/shotgun
Regional Firearms instructor for national Armored Transp. Co.