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1977 Commando electric start.
Can anybody help me , I need to know which wire goes where on the starter solenoid. That is , the upper and lower big terminals and the left and right small terminals. At the moment, I have the black heavy starter motor cable connected to the lower big terminal, not sure about the others. I presume I should have a heavy cable to positive on the battery, or earth.?
Commandos are positive earth…
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Commandos are positive earth, so the starter cable connects to the negative terminal on the battery. Heavy cables, 16sq.mm ideally, from battery to solenoid and solenoid to starter motor. Use the 1/4" threaded terminal posts for the starter cable. The other two terminals, with Lucar spade connectors are for the solenoid actuating current. It should be a white/red wire from the starter button on the handlebars giving the switched 12v and a red wire to earth which will be part of a bundle that connects to the positive terminal on the battery.
I don't think the standard solenoid mounting bracket is connected to any of the terminals but you should check, or maybe someone else will chime in here. (I have a 'Mini' solenoid on mine, popular substitute.) Other than that, connect any way round to suits the cable routing.
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Grant Tiller has a wiring diagram for the Mk3 that you might find useful:
https://i2.wp.com/granttiller.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Tim-Jarboe-Custom-Norton-MK3-Commando-Wiring-Diagram.png