Starter Solenoid Battery Connection Post

[Larry Zimmer]

For any of you who have had the experience of stripping the threads of the copper stud on the starter solenoid where the battery positive cable attaches, here's one fairly easy/cheap/effective fix.



Re-cut the thread with a SAE 12-24 thread die. Then use, obviously, a SAE 12-24 nut. Use the die in the normal manner; i.e., start it onto the stud with the 'starting' side of the die. A 12 size screw is slightly smaller diameter than the 6mm original thread; and, the thread pitch of 24 just slightly different than the 1mm pitch of the original stud. However, if you are just a bit careful, it will 'catch' the original thread. From there, it doesn't take much to run the die down onto the copper stud. Leave the nut in place that retains the stud in the solenoid. Run the die down until it contacts the nut. Obviously, it won't thread completely to the nut. But, doesn't matter. When you replace the battery cable terminal and washers, they will cover the length of stud not re-threaded. Then, simply use the SAE 12-24 nut and you're in back onto the road.



Oh, don't forget that the nut will have an SAE hex. Likely, it will be a 7/16" size. Be sure to add that wrench size to your 'carry' tools. A 10mm is too small; a 12mm too large.



Keep the rubber side down!