Starter/solenoid advice
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New User
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3
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Starter/solenoid advice
So its quite clear that my starter needs replacing (chewed up inside), and on it, it says that "it is highly recommended to replace the solenoid when installing this unit."
Pretty sure the solenoid's fine (clicks when key turns). What risks am I taking, if any, by not replacing it? What would you do?
I replaced the voltage regulator after it was making a buzzing sound when starting (the only sound the truck made after starter died) and I dont know if it would make that noise normally and just be masked by the starting of the engine.
Simple questions from a simple....ton.
thanks y'all
Pretty sure the solenoid's fine (clicks when key turns). What risks am I taking, if any, by not replacing it? What would you do?
I replaced the voltage regulator after it was making a buzzing sound when starting (the only sound the truck made after starter died) and I dont know if it would make that noise normally and just be masked by the starting of the engine.
Simple questions from a simple....ton.
thanks y'all
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
From: Portland, OR
The reason it is highly recommended is because those small, crappy solenoids are notorious for going bad. Mine still clicked, but wasn't delivering enough power across to start the truck (started just fine when I bridge it with a screw driver, though). I remember growing up listening to my uncles and family (who are all dyed-in-the-wool Ford people) replace the solenoid, replace the solenoid, replace the solenoid... I can still hear it in my head now and I never even owned a Ford prior to this truck.
They are cheap, like $20. There isn't much risk, only that someday, maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but someday down the line: The truck will not start. There's no risk and no danger, it won't hurt the truck even if it goes bad.
The reason it says to replace it in the first place, is because most vehicles have an internal solenoid in the starter, so replacing the starter replaced the solenoid by default. Fords run that external next to the battery, so they are basically just saying to remember to replace it at the same time because if the starter is bad it is probably time to replace the solenoid as well.
They are cheap, like $20. There isn't much risk, only that someday, maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but someday down the line: The truck will not start. There's no risk and no danger, it won't hurt the truck even if it goes bad.
The reason it says to replace it in the first place, is because most vehicles have an internal solenoid in the starter, so replacing the starter replaced the solenoid by default. Fords run that external next to the battery, so they are basically just saying to remember to replace it at the same time because if the starter is bad it is probably time to replace the solenoid as well.
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
Likes: 39
From: EXTREME southwest CT
I would NEVER swap out a factory solenoid for aftermarket, unless mine had already failed.
There are Sooo many threads here about crappy aftermarket solenoids failing on the first (or second) crank, I can't tell you.
Yes, Chevy's -and the later Ford PMGR starters- have a solenoid mounted on them.
They are not without their problems either.
There are Sooo many threads here about crappy aftermarket solenoids failing on the first (or second) crank, I can't tell you.
Yes, Chevy's -and the later Ford PMGR starters- have a solenoid mounted on them.
They are not without their problems either.
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 8,521
Likes: 16
From: Lost
I would NEVER swap out a factory solenoid for aftermarket, unless mine had already failed.
There are Sooo many threads here about crappy aftermarket solenoids failing on the first (or second) crank, I can't tell you.
Yes, Chevy's -and the later Ford PMGR starters- have a solenoid mounted on them.
They are not without their problems either.
There are Sooo many threads here about crappy aftermarket solenoids failing on the first (or second) crank, I can't tell you.
Yes, Chevy's -and the later Ford PMGR starters- have a solenoid mounted on them.
They are not without their problems either.
Many of the cheap aftermarket units are made in china, and tend to weld themselves together internally. When this happens, the starter will not disengage until the battery is dead, or unhooked........ Which can kill even a brand new starter.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 1,100
Likes: 6
From: Georgia
I expect the reason they say replace them is that as they age solenoid contacts burn and get a poorer and poorer contact surface as bits of metal burn off and/or stick to the other surface. When that happens they build up resistance and so you get more volt drop to the starter which is bad for motors.
I honestly don't think you could go wrong with the one I posted here: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post13475092
I honestly don't think you could go wrong with the one I posted here: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post13475092
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
Likes: 39
From: EXTREME southwest CT
There's really no need for a continuous duty relay.
The silver contacts are nice though!
Texas Industrial Electric seems to have the widest selection of quality brands.
And all those nice connectors, switches, cables, 3G conversion kit, speedometer correction gearboxes, circuit panels, fuse holders, etc...
relays continuous duty 12 volt & 24 volt DC power relays,starter relays
The silver contacts are nice though!
Texas Industrial Electric seems to have the widest selection of quality brands.
And all those nice connectors, switches, cables, 3G conversion kit, speedometer correction gearboxes, circuit panels, fuse holders, etc...
relays continuous duty 12 volt & 24 volt DC power relays,starter relays
Trending Topics
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 1,100
Likes: 6
From: Georgia
No, but I don't really know what the max starter draw is, like winter with cold engine, but a 200A continuous duty would have a good margin for intermittent duty if the starter draws over 200A when the engine is really cold.
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Junior User
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
From: Portland, OR
I thought Motorcraft were licensed Ford parts? I didn't go throw a $5 part on it when the average price was around $25, but at the same time, if they had had one that was the same price as the Motorcraft, but that came with a lifetime warranty, I probably would have bought it instead of the Motorcraft. I mean, it was a 2 minute fix...
Using Ford parts is great, but I'll be honest, if I had to choose between an $80 Alternator that was aftermarket and a $175 Ford alternator with the same rated ouput, I would probably buy the $80. There's always people that swear by using OEM parts, but usually, it's a third-party Chinese manufacturer that makes those too. I bet that Motorcraft solenoid has a made in china stamp on it somewhere.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 4,491
Likes: 26
From: Algona,WA
My truck is 28 years old with 231,000 miles on it and still has the original solenoid. I highly doubt a Chinese made aftermarket solenoid would last this long and still work. I wouldn't replace it if it's working fine. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. OR if you're this type of guy : if it ain't broke, you're not trying!
Moderator
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 22,415
Likes: 92
From: Denver Metro Area, CO
Last I heard, Motorcraft solenoids were made in Mexico although there are rumors they may have also gone to China.
NOS from a reseller (maybe Rock Auto) would most likely get you a USA-made one...
NOS from a reseller (maybe Rock Auto) would most likely get you a USA-made one...
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
From: Portland, OR
Haha, it's like texting. It's hard to gauge tone of voice from words on a screen. No worries. Hostility was probably been coming from me, I've been having a lot of similar conversations about parts on my Honda lately. OEM vs. Aftermarket is starting to become a hot button issue for me, haha, and now I'm becoming easily goaded.
Harking back to my first post, I did say changing it was unnecessary. And that it wouldn't hurt anything to leave it. Just that if he wanted to, it's not a big deal, it's a simple and inexpensive part to replace.
I agree with everyone else, if it's not broken, don't fix it.
Harking back to my first post, I did say changing it was unnecessary. And that it wouldn't hurt anything to leave it. Just that if he wanted to, it's not a big deal, it's a simple and inexpensive part to replace.
I agree with everyone else, if it's not broken, don't fix it.