Crossflow Magnetti Marelli Starter Solenoid

[bball7754]

I've been wrestling with an issue with the solenoid on my starter. At
this point I'd like to just replace it, but I'm having trouble tracking one
down.

The starter is a Magnetti Marelli. The numbers on the solenoid have worn
away and are illegible. Numbers on the starter are "27048A" and Type "M79
(0.9). Date on it is "26-97".

Haven't had any luck with searches on both Google and Blatchat. Any info
would be helpful. Lucas or Bosch equivalent starters (if there are any),
vehicle the starter was originally built for, sources for a solenoid, etc.

Thanks.

Steve

[TheDingo8MyBaby]

Steve,

I'm going to give you a few options.

1. You might try:
Tony Wiltshire
Magneti Marelli
317 471 1559

2. Find a local electrical parts rebuilder. These guys can rebuild them every bit as good as new (and sometimes better).

3. Look at getting a super starter or Japanese/Denso equivalent. Yes, your car will sound like a camry starting, but it's a small price to pay for reliability. Plus you save a couple pounds...

Good luck!

[Kitcat]

Steve:

When I was chasing the electrical gremlin that made starting my car such an adventure, I had my solenoid rebuilt then replaced it. The new one, ordered from Rocky Montain Sportscars cost $102 and the overnite shipping cost from England was a mere $132 (I was desperate with a trackday right around the corner). Turned out not to be the problem. Nor was the ignition switch which I also replaced, nor the starter itself, which I also had rebuilt after the Dave Bean starter I ordered didnt fit. Ahh, the memories....

Mike

[bball7754]

Mike - The starter is fine, and the solenoid is also, for the most part. The lead sticking out of the solenoid, which connects to the ignition switch, is not original. The connection of the lead inside the solenoid is loose. So it will work fine for extended periods of time, and then just stop.

I can always start the car, it just takes two people. One turns the ignition to the "start" position, and the other (me) wiggles that wire on the solenoid. Starts immediately.

Oh, and I'm trying to get it fixed before the track day at Putnam this Saturday. At this point I'm going to go anyway. I've already had to approach strangers at a gas station and ask them to turn the ignition, so I've got that process all worked out.

You still planning on being there? Weather looks good.

Steve

[Kitcat]

Steve-My plan is to be there. I will probably be in my new BMW M3 but knowing another Seven will be there may force me to change my plans:), we'll see. Maybe I will be able to find someone to haul it there for me and then drive both.

Yes-the 2 person start: my system was to ask 2 bystanders to push the car while I jump started it. One time the car hit a bump doing that and it eliminated the short momentarily and it started on its own. An embarrassed explanation ensued.

Weather looks good today, it keeps bouncing from 10-60% chance. If its a downpour, I will bring my Accord wh/is wonderful in the wet.

They have only sold 21 spots so we will get a ton of track time.

Anyone else interested can call the organizer, Kumar, at his cell 513-252-3808 and sign up- to and including this Saturday. Just bring cash, no checks.

Mike

[lowflyer]

Wow! An Italian starter on an English engine... living on the edge, no matter how you cut it.

[speedcraft]

does anyone know of any high torque starters as a direct fit to the MM unit?

[slomove]

Did you try Gustafson?

http://www.gustafsonmachine.com/

[DeanG]

Gustafson is a fan of Lotus. I remember when he sold starters out of the trunk of his car. I also remember him talking about his new 1/2 million dollar machine tool dedicated to making the end plates.

A good guy, hopefully he will make an appearance at LOG this year.

[Kitcat]

None of the starters I tried when looking to replace my MM unit 2 years ago would fit in the cramped space.