HOT Positive Battery Cable Damaging The Starter Solenoid

[jtmcdon]

If the head of the bolt os wrung off it is possible that bolt doesn’t hold anything and if the other two are removed the starter will slide right off the broken off bolt. I would loosen the other two and try to shake the starter, if it shakes take the bolts out and pull the starter off.
smilinjak

Excellent suggestion. Because it's possible the bolts are shoulder type bolts. Didn't think about that. But I'm still a little nervous about twisting the other bolts because those heads might break off. So I will use some WD40 for a few days before I try turning them. Hopefully, the WD40 will help.

 

[jtmcdon]

Just a comment on the topic of common automotive solenoids.

There are two types!

One type is designed for intermittent duty. These are the common starter motor solenoids. They will "burn up" if tasked with long duration energization. The windings and contacts won't take the heat.

The other type are designed for continuous duty. An electric winch control in example.

If cleaning up the cable terminals doesn't seem to be the solution. Try a continuous duty solenoid. There is a cost difference in the device however.
https://www.walmart.com/c/kp/continuous-duty-solenoids ....... an example.

Thanks. I'll look into a continuous type for my tractor.

 

[smilinjak]

Thanks. I'll look into a continuous type for my tractor.

Now to the real cause to the excessive draw. The starter most likely has worn out armature bushings allowing the armature to be drawn into contact with the field shoes creating excessive resistance to rotation thus extremely high draw. Unfortunately the starter has to be removed. Any new electrical components installed with the old starter will be ruined very quickly. A continuous use solenoid switch is usually used for a lower amperage draw than a starter requires. From the description of your problem the melted part is the true solenoid that serves as a switch and the actuator of the starter drive gear. I which case only an intermittent type is available.