Notices
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Fat Fendered and Classic Ford Trucks

Starting problem

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jun 9, 2011 | 08:15 PM
  #1  
seawulff's Avatar
seawulff
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 372
Likes: 1
From: Walnut Creek, CA
Starting problem

Periodically my 56 F100 won't turn over. If I turn the key a couple of times sometimes it starts. When it doesn't start I hear a clunk under the glove box area possilbe the solenoid. It doesn't click. My battery is new, the ignition switch is new and the wiring is new. When it turns over it does so rapidly and starts easily. Does this sound like a solenoid problem, what's the best way to test it since it's intermittent? Thanks in advance.
 
Reply
Old Jun 9, 2011 | 08:26 PM
  #2  
ibuzzard's Avatar
ibuzzard
See A Man About A Horse
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 4,936
Likes: 699
From: Mariposa, Ca.
Club FTE Gold Member
It would be cheap and easy to buy a solenoid @ Napa and change it out.If you suspect the solenoid on the starter,pull the starter and take it to an electrical shop,they'll bench test it for you @ NC,usually.
 
Reply
Old Jun 9, 2011 | 09:29 PM
  #3  
kenjh's Avatar
kenjh
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 2,002
Likes: 0
From: victoria
check your ground straps and grounding points on the cab to frame and solenoid ground ,,most of my problems with any old car or motorcycle has been bad wireing (you have taken care of that) or bad ground..but yes a solenoid is cheep to replace ..if your wrong ..you have a spare..
 
Reply
Old Jun 9, 2011 | 10:20 PM
  #4  
ALBUQ F-1's Avatar
ALBUQ F-1
Fleet Owner
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,299
Likes: 1,059
From: NM
If it isn't a bad connection, I think it's more likely the starter. Badly worn brushes will do that sometimes.
 
Reply
Old Jun 10, 2011 | 12:47 PM
  #5  
seawulff's Avatar
seawulff
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 372
Likes: 1
From: Walnut Creek, CA
How do you test the starter?
 
Reply
Old Jun 10, 2011 | 03:47 PM
  #6  
53pickemuptruck's Avatar
53pickemuptruck
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 467
Likes: 0
From: White Hall , Illinois
Sounds like a grounding problem,loose connection somewhere.
 
Reply
Old Jun 10, 2011 | 07:23 PM
  #7  
kenjh's Avatar
kenjh
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 2,002
Likes: 0
From: victoria
testing the starter you need a volt meter on the battery .try cranking it over ..the battery should not drop below 10.5 volts while cranking ..if it drops to 9 volts or lower ..the starter is dying also after trying to start it ..grab the starter cable if it is warm or hot ,,it is either loose or undersize,,let us know what you find ..
 
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:33 PM.

story-0
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-1
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-3
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-6
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-8
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE