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1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Early Eighties Bullnose Ford Truck

electrical failure

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Old Feb 25, 2012 | 08:44 PM
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electrical failure

86 F-250 Lariat XLT 4X4 88 7.3 Banks Sidewinder Zf5 Std cab.
Truck was parked for 5yrs.drained tanks,oil new coolant, fuel and oil filter.Drove
about 300 mi.everything's fine.Shut down engine checked oil and lights.Started right drove maybe 100 ft.engine stopped.no lights except emergency flashers I think worked.
Had it towed to my brothers house.The next morning changed ignition switch,still
no power.poked at wires and connectors everything works all of sudden.I'm a
long way from home.So I got on I-5 and hoped for the best,Got home no problem.
A few weeks later driving along it shuts down again same as the first time.Called for a tow,While waiting I was trying to see what might be out of the ordinary,
shook some wires on the left wheel well.It all started working and has been fine since.Does anyone similar experience or theory?
 
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Old Feb 25, 2012 | 09:09 PM
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by left wheelwell do you mean looking at the engine? Passenger side? These should be all the wires by the starter solenoid correct?

From the solenoid....there would be a large wire going to the battery...on this same terminal there will be wires going to the rest of the power distribution system and alternator. Sounds like you have a loose connection somewhere in there
 
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Old Feb 25, 2012 | 09:49 PM
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That's the first place I'd be looking, too.

There are 2-3-4 wires on the battery-side of the starter solenoid, those wires have got fusible links in them, they power the cab, headlights, the entire truck, really.
 
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Old Feb 26, 2012 | 12:46 PM
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Thanks very much for the information.The last time it quit I shook the wires on the drivers
side and it started working.I'm going to start with connection at the solenoid and work from
there.The truck tows a 35' 5th wheel and I sure don't want any problems.Thanks again.
 
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Old Feb 26, 2012 | 01:48 PM
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Are the links visibly damages when blown? I have a bad wire to the dash lights that's hard to find.


Originally Posted by ctubutis
That's the first place I'd be looking, too.

There are 2-3-4 wires on the battery-side of the starter solenoid, those wires have got fusible links in them, they power the cab, headlights, the entire truck, really.
 
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Old Feb 26, 2012 | 01:51 PM
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Originally Posted by xirxious
Are the links visibly damages when blown?
Not necessarily... grab both ends and pull firmly, it'll come apart if blown.
 
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Old Feb 26, 2012 | 08:11 PM
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I've not had to deal with fusible links,are they color coded or marked with amperage?Do they solder in?Guess I've been lucky so far but now in need of a crash course.I'm glad
to follow your expert advice.Thanks
 
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Old Feb 26, 2012 | 08:36 PM
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Yes, they're color-coded, I think orange & green are common but you can check at a parts store.

Soldering & shrink-wrapping is how I've always done this stuff, but there may be kits available (at parts stores) that include waterproof, weatherproof connectors that don't require soldering. Ask at your local parts place.

But, once it's blown, it's blown Your problem sounds more like one or more bad connections, all around the starter solenoid & battery area. Check & clean ALL of your primary connections, that's where I'd begin.
 
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