Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[alastairq]

Hi...a question. I have just obtained a Motorcraft starter motor relay [solenoid].....genuine item, used by Ford {USA]..... as a stand-by to replace what I think is failing item on my '67 Mustang.
[Sage advice is to avoid cheap copies, go for 'real thing']

Anyway, it arrived, and was inspected...a good quality of construction..hopefully with decent internals.
However, it has one oddity.
On the outer end cover [underneath which, lies the big solenoid contact]....there is [offset from centre] a tiny felt pad held in place firmly.
Now, my first thought was, an oil pad to lubricate the moving solenoid shaft....but I'm now a bit uncertain.
The one on the car has no such item....and isn't a motorcraft product anyway.
I have never seen a lube pad on any other type of starter solenoid I've got, or come across.



I've searched and pinched a piccy off Gooogle...the only one I can find showing outer end. the felt pad can be clearly seen.

Do I dribble a few drops of 3-in-1 on it? Or do I dribble contact cleaner on it?

Does anybody know for definite, please?
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Dellow Mk2, 1951 built, reg 1952.
Fiat 126 BIS
Cannon special [1996 registered. Built in 1950's]
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Ford Pop chassis, Ashley 1172 bodyshell, in pieces.

[Peter_L]

Hi Alastair. My immediate and gut reaction (accepting family viewing) is to contact Motorola and ask (WTF) is that beautifully placed, intrinsically required piece of non-metallic substance oozing from an aperture.