Okay so, I have an 89 F250 with the 460 in it, (not sure if its the 460 Windsor of the 460 modified, but we will address that later) and about a week and a half ago I hopped in it to warm it up on a cold night before I set out. She seemed to fire up for about 2-3 seconds and then it died. After I called her a few names lol, I tried it again. This time the engine would crank over but it wouldnt start. after a few more tries, the engine just quit cranking. I just replaced the lock and tumbler a few weeks before hand after I got stranded in the middle of a pasture with full load of brush haha, and got her running again. My first thought was the ignition switch after it quit turning over. Replaced it (the old on had snapped in half) and it still wouldnt start. So i then took the distributor cap off to check the contact points and the rotor. The points were okay but the rotor was a little crispy. Replaced it. Then new spark plug wires. Then a new starter solenoid. and then a new battery. Still nothing. When i turn the key i have power in the dash and radio, and I get the electrical noise, so im pretty sure the fuel pump is good. When i hooked up a voltmeter to the battery I got 12.4V ( which It ought to since its a brand new battery.) When i test the lead to the solenoid from the battery i have 12.39v. the small lead on the solenoid is only receiving 7v when i try adn turn the key and start it. Im thinking there is an issue somewhere in the wiring between my switch and the solenoid. I dont think the voltage is high enough to activate the solenoid, but then again I havent looked into all the technical details yet.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

 

Thete is no 460 Windsor or Modified engine. The 460 is bssed on the 385 series. Just plain ole 460....

Sounds like you have an open circuit to energize the starter relay.

It could be a mis-adjusted MLPS (auto trans) or clutch interlock switch (manual trans).

If you have an auto transmission try jiggling the shifter lever/pull up on it when trying to start.

 

I think thats what I get for listening to my neighbour ramble on about well... who knows what. lol

I'm not claiming to be a master mechanic here, but I can tinker. So would you have any advice on how to about finding/fixing the issue?

 

It is a 5 speed Manual.

 

Check the clutch interlock switch located near the pedal fulcrum pin.

 

I would run a jumper wire from the positive battery post to that little terminal on the solenoid just to make sure the system is in working order. Make sure the transmission is in neutral when you do this. Yes I read the part where you said that lead is only receiving 7 volts.

 

Okay, and on my replacement solenoid, there is a 4th terminal, just like the small one on top, just opposite on the bottom. Should i just leave this alone as the original only had the three leads?

 

As long as it doesn't touch anything metal it wouldn't hurt anything. It wouldn't hurt to slip a small plastic or rubber sleeve over it if you can find one.

 

Okay the switch was pretty nasty and inside was a little burnt so iwent ahead and replaced it. I turn the key and it stsrts to crank but wont. If i hit the main solenoid posts with a wrench it cranks and tries but still wont start. I am gonna replace the starter here in a few. F that doesntdo it i am gonna probably cry xD

 

Aaanndddd it is probably something in the wiring somewhere. At least all the ignition system is new xD