90 240 starter/solenoid ground wire

[UpstateNY]

I have a 90 Volvo 240 and the braided starter/solenoid ground wire disintegrated after only 308,000 miles. I have the small profile starter and the braided ground wire turned to dust. It was only about 2-3 inches long from a connector on the solenoid to what appears to have been some sort of solder or hot metallic connection on the rear of the starter body. I say solder only because there is a small round metal bump where the ground wire seemed to have been attached. What I need to know is if this braided wire was simply a ground connection - can I merely replace the braided ground with another wire and connect it to the starter mounting bolt. Or does the ground wire connection on the back of the starter perform some more intricate electrical function and must be attached where it was. If it has to be attached were it was - how can I do that? I'm sure one of our Moderators will know - they know everything

[billofdurham]

I'm sure one of our Moderators will know - they know everything

This moderator has never professed to be omniscient.

Looking at it logically that braided lead, which has failed after only 308,000 miles, is an earth (ground) for the solenoid only. The starter motor itself earths through the retaining bolts and the engine/gearbox earth braid to the frame. Fixing an earth braid from the solenoid to the starter body ensures that the solenoid is earthed without the need for something else to be bolted in place.

I would think that running an earth braid from the solenoid to the starter motor retaining bolt would do the same job.

Bill.

[UpstateNY]

Thanks. See -you guys DO know everything! Well, enough to make me happy. BTW - as an interim "fix" I took some #12 copper 110v electrical wire, connected it to the solenoid and bent it so it touched the mystical bump on the starter. It's been working for 4 days now. I'll fix it for real tomorrow night. Thanks again.

[billofdurham]

There you go - a Mark 1 innovator!!

Bill.