I've got my engine running just about perfect now. However, I've been running through my entire electrical system tracking down a power drain problem. I found that my starter solenoid was sucking 2 volts even with everything diaconnected from it, except the positive battery cable. It never got hot, or showed any sign of crapping out. I was still able to start the engine with it, but if I let the car sit for an hour or so, the battery would drain.

What would make the solenoid constantly draw power? I know it's old, but I just swapped in a 45-year-old soleniod from a salvage yard, and it works fine. It starts the car, with no constant 2 volt power draw when I let sit.

anyone have a similar story?

 

moral of the story is... somethings just don't last 45 years
lol

in all seriousness though, get your self an ohms meter, unhook everything from the solenoid. then check to see if you get continuity between + and ground unswitched.

If there is continuity, this is an internal short, which would cause a draw.
(2v... if that's what it is, i would guess you have about 2-5k ohms between hot and ground.)

If this is not it the solenoid is fine and your problem is elsewhere.