Deuce Starter Button

[Rebelpride]

Hey some times when I go to start my deuce and I hit the button the starter just clunks, then if I hit the button harder it will turnover. My question is: is it 24 volts at the starter button, because I was thinking of replacing the button with a toggle switch for racecars and all of them are for 12 volts.

 

[Ferroequinologist]

Make sure it is a momentary toggle, or else bad things might happen...

Not sure of the amp draw through the switch to the solenoid. Better find that out too. switches should work fine for 24vdc even if they say 12, just don't overload the amp rating.

 

[Jake0147]

Are you sure it's actually the pressing harder on the button that's making it start, or is it possible that it's the pressing again on the button that's getting it to start?

The "clunk" would imply that the starter button is doing it's job quite correctly, and further troubleshooting will be required to determine why the starter assembly or starter motor circuit doesn't operate correctly.

 

[cranetruck]

The start button operates the starter relay, which in turns energizes the solenoid. The current carried by the start button contacts is about 1/4 amp with an inrush of several times that, just about any momentary contact switch will do the job.

Like Jake suggests, the start button is probably doing its job and the "clunk" may indicate a poor connection. The solenoid uses about 1/10th the current that the starter motor needs and that can easily be enough to drop the voltage across a high ohm connection (poor contact), so when the solenoid closes the contact to the motor, the voltage drops. Check and clean the connections.

...I might add that you may also have a bad solenoid contact.

 

[oifvet]

Re: RE: Deuce Starter Button

As stated, that "clunk" is a good test of the button itself. Sometimes, a simple cleaning of the battery terminals/connections will eliminate the symptoms you have. Often, just loose or corroded connections or a little oxidation can cause enough current draw and voltage drop to "miss" a start. That "inrush" that cranetruck describes is KEY!

I had a similar issue on my deuce. Turned out to be a bad crimp on the connector at the starter. I cut the old connector off and replaced it with a good crimp. I was rolling!

Make sure, (and I know you know, just a friendly reminder), to disconnect a negative battery connection before wrenching around. Cuts down on arcing, sparking, and tool welding. ------>

You probably have a simple fix. At least I hope so. For some reason, those push-button starter switches for the deuce are a little pricey, but I don't know why. I vote you stay with the push-button over the toggle

 

[Big Mike's Motor Pool]

Re: RE: Deuce Starter Button

As stated, that "clunk" is a good test of the button itself. Sometimes, a simple cleaning of the battery terminals/connections will eliminate the symptoms you have.

i had this problem a while back and this is what i did to solve my issues