Confused on starter solenoid wires

[RoverHaus]

I just removed the starter from my R100GS. It is the french built Valeo.

I've ordered a replacement as it was faulty. Now I can't remeber which wires go to what posts on the starter solenoid.

My instinct says both wires go to the copper post. But that leaves the other post lonely with nothing to connect to.

Does anyone have any help on how this is supposed to hook back up. Clymers shows it, but they took the photo from across the street and forgot to use the zoom lens so we could actually see what the photos was.

Much appreciated!
J

[skiteach]

The wires with ring terminals would go to the "naked" post. The other threaded post is activated by the solenoid. The spade or blade terminals are, usually, identified by numbers. One would be the wire from starter button/key. I don't know that starter. Generally there is often an unused spade terminal on starters- can you tell by marks on defective unit?

[barryg]

The heavy black wire comes from the battery to the starter motor. Should be joined by a red colorcoded wire from the diode board. The other should be a black color coded wire coming from the starter relay. From the Hanes and Clymer manual.

[RoverHaus]

Thanks for the info. I've been a BMW MOA member a full 48 hours now and already am feeling the love.

Thanks!
J

[GlobalRider]

I've ordered a replacement as it was faulty.

Why, what happened to the old one? The most common failure is the magnets detaching themselves from the motor housing.

You do know that they can be fully rebuilt by yourself.

Here are a few links...

Alex's BMW Valeo Starter Rebuild Page (http://edelweiss.smugmug.com/gallery/4540703_BZ6NC#267460548_qMfz4) from my earlier days when BMW told everybody the motor itself is not rebuildable and is only available as a complete unit. Yeah...right! :rolleyes

Anton's Valeo Starter Rebuild Page (http://www.largiader.com/tech/valeo)

[bikerfish1100]

great timing on this thread, thanks!.
my Valeo just "feced the bed", and now needs a rebuild. seems that a small plastic part (brush holder?) had been previously glued by the PO, and recently unglued itself. does this part belong to the brush assembly, or is it likely something else entirely?

the guys in Golden (from Anton's page) should work well for me for parts.

[GlobalRider]

Seems that a small plastic part (brush holder?) had been previously glued by the PO, and recently unglued itself. Does this part belong to the brush assembly.

Yes, its part of the brush kit.

You can get parts from Euro Motoelectrics (http://www.euromotoelectrics.com). Click on "Starters" and then scroll down.