351W Starter Solenoid Problems
Thread Starter
|
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 871
Likes: 6
From: Orcas Island, WA
351W Starter Solenoid Problems
I'm finally back working on my truck, trying to get it running. When I first started, many months ago, the starter solenoid was bad. I replaced it with a new Echlin ST404 which is listed as the OEM replacement. After around 10-20 attempts at starting it over a period of time (i.e. not one after another without rest) the solenoid failed with the high amperage contacts shorted together. Not a very good failure mode. It was replaced under warranty. The replacement lasted 3 attempts at starting before it too failed with the high amperage contacts shorted.
At this point I'm wondering if there is a problem in the truck other than the solenoid; have I gotten two bum solenoids in a row; or has Echlin turned to total crap. I'm trying to start it using a remote start button jumpered between the battery positive terminal of the solenoid and the solenoid activation terminal, the "S" terminal. The starter motor is drawing 185-200 amps while turning over.
Any thoughts?
At this point I'm wondering if there is a problem in the truck other than the solenoid; have I gotten two bum solenoids in a row; or has Echlin turned to total crap. I'm trying to start it using a remote start button jumpered between the battery positive terminal of the solenoid and the solenoid activation terminal, the "S" terminal. The starter motor is drawing 185-200 amps while turning over.
Any thoughts?
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,984
Likes: 2,738
From: Virginia
All I can say is we have had A LOT of these kinds of posts, with people having the same problem after they replaced the solenoid. Why I lean toward the solenoid being defective is some people never had a problem, replace it to "prevent problems in the future" and end up with this sticking problem they never had before.
Thread Starter
|
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 871
Likes: 6
From: Orcas Island, WA
I guess I'll caulk it up to Echlin stuff being junk now. To bad because they used to be one if the better brands. I may just get a Cole Hersee solenoid to replace the OEM style. At least I know that Cole Hersee is still making quality. I'll have to see if they have one with an integral diode. If not I'll need to add one externally.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 667
Likes: 0
From: Small acerage in Nebraska
I guess I'll caulk it up to Echlin stuff being junk now. To bad because they used to be one if the better brands. I may just get a Cole Hersee solenoid to replace the OEM style. At least I know that Cole Hersee is still making quality. I'll have to see if they have one with an integral diode.
If not I'll need to add one externally.
If not I'll need to add one externally.
Thread Starter
|
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 871
Likes: 6
From: Orcas Island, WA
Plastic Case Solenoid SAZ
As for your winch, is there anything about it that is specific to the Ford style starter solenoid, or could you use a different kind. If you can use something different I'd strongly recommend Cole Hersee. Good, solid, reliable stuff. Here's a page listing solenoids that might interest you.
Solenoids & Relays | Steel & Phenolic Body Solenoids | Cole Hersee - Littelfuse
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
bullnose lover
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
5
Dec 11, 2014 11:45 AM
84StraightSix
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
23
Sep 9, 2014 08:19 PM
DonkeeXotee
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
17
Jan 21, 2014 04:36 AM
stevetopps
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
4
Nov 11, 2007 03:10 PM
