havent ridden for a week last i rode vgot caught in rain now she wont start starter sylinoid cap is cracked took apart all ccuroded cleaned now if i silicone around the crack will this help keep water out

 

A "ccuroded" "sylinoid" will do that every time..especially when you "vgot caught in rain"...

 

I've used silicone for alot of things (duct tape and tie wire too) Guess it would depend on how big the crack is. I'd be more concerned with the constant pressure on it from the spring and washer tapping against it when you hit the start button. Soleniods arent that expensive. If it was me, I'd silicone it so I could be riding as I waited on the new one I ordered to get here. If moneys tight, silicone it and see how it goes. Worse that could happen is you would end up where you are now, needing a solenoid.

 

A new cap would be the best fix.

My second choice would be to buy some 30 minute epoxy (the longer dry type) and mix up enough to fully cover the cap but not the connections of course. Lightly sand the cap surface then apply the epoxy.
Then let it dry overnight.
I would remove the cap to do this....... pg

 

... or you could purchase a solenoid repair kit. Contains a new plastic cap, all the parts you may need, and complete instructions. ACCEL has them.

 

ok thanks guys ill order a repair kit mike

 

FWIW, when the typical silicone compound cures it releases some pretty potent vapors. These will cause corrosion, and corroded contacts don't work well, whether the corrosion was caused by water or something else.

Also, since we're talking Ironheads, and most have a generator with commutator and brushes, avoid silicon-based insulation on the wiring within the generator. Near as I can figure, the off-gassing from the insulation interferes with commutation, and will eventually screw up the commutator surface.

 

well i smeared silicone over cracks put it back on today woorks good i have another one its cracked also im going to get repair kits for both that way ill have a spare seems like this is an ongoing issue with these old bikes other than that shes doing good since rebuild got about 90 miles on it now so far so good thanks for all the info during rebuild this is a good site and great people thanks

 

The correct hardware for attaching the solenoid cap is a brass lockwsher and a thin brass nut. These should not be tightened too much. I do not know how to describe the correct amount or torque. Too much == cracked plastic.