Starter Solenoid

[suki243]

I think I'm just having a bad week or something... Previously, after replacing some of my alternator to voltage regulator wiring, i wasn't able to get my car to start... Then with the help of the forum and wiring diagrams i was able to start it up and it ran perfect for a day or two.
Then... today I started her up, once, it was fine except it turned over a little slow, but I was checking the voltages around the car, so then i turned it off. Then a few minutes later I tried turning it on and it'd turn over and then stop and then turn over again, but i think i held the key in the crank position for too long, i then gave up and decided the battery is probably dead or low...
However, I looked at the starter solenoid and it was glowing on the side that leads to the starter motor! i quickly disconnect the battery but it is still smoking on that side... I then try a new battery later on in the day and now i only get one loud click...

I'm pretty sure that the solenoid is shot i'd just like to confirm it with you guys and find out what i did wrong so i don't do it again. Did i leave it in the crank position for too long?

 

[enferno]

sounds like you fried your solenoid. i was always taught never engage a starter for longer than about 8 seconds without a break. a lot of power flows through there when you are engaging your starter.

 

[scrutmonkey]

wow, got a pic of it glowing? new starter noid and you should be set.

 

[suki243]

haha I shoulda taken one huh, no i was scared it was gonna catch on fire i was lookn for a fire extinguisher just in case... I'm really gonna get one now... Luckily it wasn't too expensive of a lesson

 

[HookandLadder]

Make sure you check the wire from the solenoid to the starter. They don't glow for nothing usually.