Starter Solenoid?

[RickyRacer]

I was just wondering how many teams wire up a starter solenoid? One of our old cars had one.
Thanks

[RickyRacer]

I was just wondering how many teams wire up a starter solenoid? One of our old cars had one.
Thanks

[Mike Flitcraft]

If it's anything like a car, direct line from the battery to a post on the solenoid, with another wire going from another post to the start button.

Without a schematic, or an engine, we can't help you much more than that.

[SNasello]

Main Kill switch-Starter Solenoid-Starter Motor

Dash Kill switch-starter button-starter solenoid-gnd

[RickyRacer]

Sorry, I wan't very clear about it. I was wondering if many teams use a starter solenoid, not how to wire it.
Thanks
Rick

[B Lewis @ PE Engine Management]

Hi Rick,

In my experience, it is VERY important to use a starter solenoid. Choosing not to use one means that you may have 100+ amps of current flowing all over the place in the car wiring to the starter. When things get hot, that corresponds to a very large voltage drop in the wire before the starter. We have seen this make a difference of 150 RPM in starting speed on an FSAE car (without the solenoid). The starter solenoid and very heavy gage wire is a must.

[Landreneau]

Brian,

How heavy gage wire do you suggest? We use 4 gage right now.

[SNasello]

Sorry bout that ricky, yes we do use a starter solenoid.

Landreneau-4 guage wire should be sufficient, i think that may be even heavier then we use.

[B Lewis @ PE Engine Management]

I always suggest using the same gage wire (and quality) as what the stock bike uses if the length of wire is roughly the same. Otherwise, shoot for less tha 0.25 volt drop across the wire while everything is hot and the engine is turning over.