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.

 

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.

 

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..

 

If it isn't a bad connection, I think it's more likely the starter. Badly worn brushes will do that sometimes.

 

How do you test the starter?

 

Sounds like a grounding problem,loose connection somewhere.

 

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 ..