Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

Supporting that, I'm still using my original starter from 1965, HOWEVER, I have replaced the solenoid.
It got to the point when cranking the engine that all the smoke was liberated from the solenoid.
We all know that is BAD since Nissan Smoke is NLA
I pulled it down and the contacts had completely disintegrated!
So, game over there: replaced the solenoid from a late model, probably a 240Z starter, and we are good to go for another 50 years

Hi helpful Datsun Roadster colleagues. I just wanted to circle back to let you know how the starter issue got resolved.
Although the starter in the car looked "newish" Denny and I have determined that it was at least 40 years old.
I purchased a new gear-reduction starter from Datsun Restoration Products (thanks to Jim Tyler).
The triangle "panel" had previously been removed (by someone?) and the removal of the old starter and the installation of the new one went very easily! The battery (only a few months old) and the electrical wiring was fine. As you folks recommended, I examined the gear ring on the flywheel -- it had some "wear" of course, but wasn't bad. The car now starts easily and the new starter gear meshes perfectly with the flywheel every time.

Thanks, again, for always being a great source of support!

Cary

P.S. Does anyone want the "old" starter?? Just let me know! cary@carythomas.com

Another weak point is the column-mounted ignition switch, which can appear to manifest as an intermittent solenoid/starter/wiring issue.

Yes, if you are looking to improve reliability in this area, I recommend fitting a starter relay.
Essentially, the Ignition Switch operates the relay (low current circuit) which then connects the battery voltage to the solenoid (high current circuit). This will save your Ignition Switch contacts from wear and tear and provide a low resistance battery supply to the starter solenoid giving a healthy crank to the engine, barring other issues

Let me know if you need wiring details of the relay

Good candidate for a sticky!

I am always "if you are looking to improve reliability ", so... +1 on "Good candidate for a sticky!"
Mike

Let’s go to the videotape! (And place it in the sticky.)

Yes, Nissanman, please post the relay wiring details! Thank you.

Probably want the relay up on the fenderwell, anyone have a heatshield between the starter and header ,you loose magnatizem the hotter it gets

Current flows from neg to / pulled by the pos side so body grounds are very important oxidized steel ( rust or tarnish) looses continuity greatly
Soldered spade connectors copper wire to conn recommend

"Probably want the relay up on the fenderwell"

I was thinking the same thing, but for grumpy old stiff body reasons if it goes bad.

I did in fact relocate the relay when I replaced the solenoid, it is now right at the rear of the starter mounted to one of the solenoid mounting screws.
Above is the wiring diagram for a POSITIVE GROUND 1965 SP310.

Just ignore the wire polarities and follow the wiring alterations

The existing solenoid wire is re-directed to pin #85 of the relay, the coil pin.
A new wire from pin #87, one side of the make contact, is connected to the starter solenoid connection that the Ignition Switch wire was originally connected (above).
A new wire from pin #30, the other side of the make contacts, is connected to the main battery cable terminal at the starter motor.
A new wire from pin #86, the other side of the coil, is grounded: I used the starter motor mounting bolt with a large eye terminal.

I like using Bosch relays, always been reliable for me
The relay used in this instance is a Bosch 0332019451 12V 30A 4 pin: -


There is a schematic printed on the case and all the pins are clearly numbered


I also used a relay socket so that in the event of failure, I can change the relay simply and easily.
BOSCH 3 334 485 008 Relay Socket.

This improvement has been in use for years in my SP310 and will save your Ignition Switch START contacts from the high solenoid current.

Any questions just let me know

Fantastic! many thanks Nissanman.