Is solonoid change absolutely necessary?

Smee · 09-30-2009, 06:49 PM

Hello world, I am here to show my ignorance. I just ordered a Alltrax 400 amp controller, and want to make sure the better half doesn't have ammunition if I were to screw up and destroy it! Will not replacing a solonoid with the new install damage the controller. I plan on running with a stock motor until I can convince her otherwise!

Thanks,
Jon in LV

gornoman · 09-30-2009, 08:27 PM

I ran my stock solenoid/motor with my AXE 4844 for over 2 years with no problems. Even when I went to 48v it was fine (although I kept the primary side on 36v) . I have since replaced it with a WR 586 to be safer.

master66 · 10-01-2009, 08:12 AM

I too ran my stock solenoid for a while after replacing with the Alltrax 400, I think it is pretty much a crapshoot on wether the stock one will hold up or not, as Scottyb has said "might last a day might last a year".My put is I would just swap it out instead of having to worry every time you drive it if it is going to finally go that day or not, but hey that's just me.

bnall05 · 10-01-2009, 08:58 AM

I have talked with 2 different Alltrax dealers this week and both told me I should upgrade my soleniod. I am like you I have been wanting to change my stock controller and confused on exactly what all to change when I do it. Like the guys above you have a 50/50 chance of burning something up. Good luck! I would like to know your results.

Smee · 10-02-2009, 03:15 PM

Thanks everyone! I guess I'll run it till it dies or I run out of other things I'd rather buy. Now if I could just get BU to take off backorder and ship, life would be grand!

Jon in LV

gaston · 10-02-2009, 03:19 PM

Alltrax wont honor the guarantee if they know you haven't changed your solenoid for a perfomance one. There was in the past a high # of returned controllers associated with solenoid failure.
That's why they have now a big sticker that says you MUST use a performance solenoid.

Gorno had luck with his, but he's riding stock tire size which draws less amperage.

SpoiledRotten · 10-02-2009, 03:21 PM

With a stock motor, what is the benefit of the new controller? Is it just an important step in the process of upgrading the system, with the end piece being the motor, or will you actually feel something in the seat of your pants besides an lighter wallet?

I'm probably loading someone with the response already, but will it just allow you to run more/longer without the thermal heat buildup issues? Just asking.

I would also think that a performance solonoid wouldn't cost very much in comparison after putting out the $$$ for the controller.

gaston · 10-02-2009, 03:24 PM

On the PDS you will get a lot more speed and increased torque on 36v, however the controller will draw more amperage out from the pack thus diminishing the range if you are a speed demond thirsty.

The alltrax is much more efficient than the stock in low speed given its fully potted design that helps to dissipate heat better.

master66 · 10-02-2009, 04:06 PM

A new HD solenoid will only run you around $60.00 so it was kind of a no brainer for me.I think Mikesmotortoys sells them and hey if you are lucky he will even drive to you're house and install it for you, oh and he has a free lawn service promotion going too, right Gorno!

jauguston · 10-03-2009, 12:36 PM

Take a look at the solenoid you have now. Supposedly the W-R 586 is the HD solenoid and my '92 Marathon had one already. I have a Alltrax AXE4844 on 42v with the W-R586 actuating coil on 36v and it works fine.

Jim

09-30-2009, 06:49 PM	#1
Smee Not Yet Wild Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: LaVernia TX Posts: 10	Is solonoid change absolutely necessary? Hello world, I am here to show my ignorance. I just ordered a Alltrax 400 amp controller, and want to make sure the better half doesn't have ammunition if I were to screw up and destroy it! Will not replacing a solonoid with the new install damage the controller. I plan on running with a stock motor until I can convince her otherwise! Thanks, Jon in LV

09-30-2009, 08:27 PM	#2
gornoman Stay thirsty my friends! Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Suburban Chicago Posts: 24,286	Re: Is solonoid change absolutely necessary? I ran my stock solenoid/motor with my AXE 4844 for over 2 years with no problems. Even when I went to 48v it was fine (although I kept the primary side on 36v) . I have since replaced it with a WR 586 to be safer.

10-01-2009, 08:12 AM	#3
master66 Gone Wild Join Date: May 2009 Location: Marysville Wa Posts: 696	Re: Is solonoid change absolutely necessary? I too ran my stock solenoid for a while after replacing with the Alltrax 400, I think it is pretty much a crapshoot on wether the stock one will hold up or not, as Scottyb has said "might last a day might last a year".My put is I would just swap it out instead of having to worry every time you drive it if it is going to finally go that day or not, but hey that's just me.

10-01-2009, 08:58 AM	#4
bnall05 Gone Wild Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Indiana Posts: 177	Re: Is solonoid change absolutely necessary? I have talked with 2 different Alltrax dealers this week and both told me I should upgrade my soleniod. I am like you I have been wanting to change my stock controller and confused on exactly what all to change when I do it. Like the guys above you have a 50/50 chance of burning something up. Good luck! I would like to know your results.

10-02-2009, 03:15 PM	#5
Smee Not Yet Wild Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: LaVernia TX Posts: 10	Re: Is solonoid change absolutely necessary? Thanks everyone! I guess I'll run it till it dies or I run out of other things I'd rather buy. Now if I could just get BU to take off backorder and ship, life would be grand! Jon in LV

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10-02-2009, 03:19 PM	#6
gaston Gone Wild Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 829	Re: Is solonoid change absolutely necessary? Alltrax wont honor the guarantee if they know you haven't changed your solenoid for a perfomance one. There was in the past a high # of returned controllers associated with solenoid failure. That's why they have now a big sticker that says you MUST use a performance solenoid. Gorno had luck with his, but he's riding stock tire size which draws less amperage.
gaston Gone Wild Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 829

10-02-2009, 03:21 PM	#7
SpoiledRotten Conservatively Wild Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Below the Mason Dixon Posts: 3,610	Re: Is solonoid change absolutely necessary? With a stock motor, what is the benefit of the new controller? Is it just an important step in the process of upgrading the system, with the end piece being the motor, or will you actually feel something in the seat of your pants besides an lighter wallet? I'm probably loading someone with the response already, but will it just allow you to run more/longer without the thermal heat buildup issues? Just asking. I would also think that a performance solonoid wouldn't cost very much in comparison after putting out the $$$ for the controller.

10-02-2009, 03:24 PM	#8
gaston Gone Wild Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 829	Re: Is solonoid change absolutely necessary? On the PDS you will get a lot more speed and increased torque on 36v, however the controller will draw more amperage out from the pack thus diminishing the range if you are a speed demond thirsty. The alltrax is much more efficient than the stock in low speed given its fully potted design that helps to dissipate heat better.
gaston Gone Wild Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 829

10-02-2009, 04:06 PM	#9
master66 Gone Wild Join Date: May 2009 Location: Marysville Wa Posts: 696	Re: Is solonoid change absolutely necessary? A new HD solenoid will only run you around $60.00 so it was kind of a no brainer for me.I think Mikesmotortoys sells them and hey if you are lucky he will even drive to you're house and install it for you, oh and he has a free lawn service promotion going too, right Gorno!

10-03-2009, 12:36 PM	#10
jauguston Gone Wild Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Bellingham,WA Posts: 300	Re: Is solonoid change absolutely necessary? Take a look at the solenoid you have now. Supposedly the W-R 586 is the HD solenoid and my '92 Marathon had one already. I have a Alltrax AXE4844 on 42v with the W-R586 actuating coil on 36v and it works fine. Jim

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