The Frankenstein Build! LT/Expo/Trail rig..and BS

I originally was goin to get a Wilson. Where out of stock so got the 5' fire stick haha

 

Yea Joey I really like my 2' cuz I can still fit everywhere with it height wise and it never really waves around on the hood mount. The 2' will give you some more noise than say a 4 foot but its just as clear as my 5' when in groups like when wheeling. Takes a bit of work to get the SWR down but you can do it. I also am using the fire-ring cable.

 

Took the winch box apart.



Checked all the connections, couldn't find anything unusual. The solenoid seems to be the issue. It will engage the motor in the 'out' direction but just clicks on the 'in' direction.



I am wondering if it would be worthwhile to take this thing apart?

 

Can't hurt right? I mean if you have to buy another one, why not?

 

You can Taj the solenoid apart. Could just be a dirty contact that needs cleaned

 

I have not been able to find the exact solenoid for sale. It is marked ZJSF-41X DC 12V. I did find it is used in multiple brands of winches.

Is considered an 'Albright' knock-off.

http://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/solenoid-pack-question.774679/

$95 Albright DC88P Equivalent Reversing Contactor: 12 Volt (Winch Contactor)

http://www.amazon.com/Albright-DC88...8TMY/ref=aag_m_pw_dp?ie=UTF8&m=A327C978500JXK

 

I took my solenoid apart to seal it on my smittybilt. Wasn't any worse than taking the box itself apart. I say go for it.

 

Yes take it apart and clean the contacts. It works we could hear it clicking, the contacts just need to be cleaned. Use some fine sand paper to make all of the pitting and Burned areas shiny.

 

The Firestik unfortunately does not have the same QA as Wilsons. I live in AZ and know a lot of people here that have bought local only to have issue after issue. If you have a great working Firestik, good for you, but I have seen to many with swr being way off and other issues.

 

Yea do what my dad said mike. Shine up the contacts good. Then maybe apply some silicone sealant to the outer case when you put it back together

 

Thanks guys for the encouragement.

Ha, just need a little encouragements.



You guys were correct, one of the copper contacts had a small burn mark.




I guess that was enough to keep it from engaging correctly. Cleaned it up and it is working again.

 

Yeah, I did this, even tho it was very clean inside the plastic outer case. There had not been any moisture intrusion into the case at all. And inside the solenoid was spotless except for that one center contact where a bit of arcing had occurred.

It is an interesting design. Unfortunately, I think it is going to happen again.

I also moved the box from where it was. Is now tucked inside the bumper, between the fog light and the winch motor on the passenger side. Had to remove the headlight and the fog light to get it in there. Barely, barely fit, but everything went back together correctly. These bumpers are so tight for space.

I did have to extend the winch controller lines that run to the cab to do this. Got to practice my soldering skills.

 

Glad it worked out again!

 

Oh yeah!

Was a good day today. Got this done aaaaaaannnndddd the Seahawks beat the Broncos.

 

Well praise The Lord haha

 

OK, but not sure how that will help.

 

Need some help guys!

 

What brand is that solenoid?

 

Are you talking about the marker light? The ones next to the headlights?

 

How big of tires?

33s you won't have to remove the inner liner. Just have to cut the lower half.

Anything bigger you have to make your own