Starting Problem
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New User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 6
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From: Sewanee, Tennessee
Starting Problem
I have an 86 F150 straight shift 300cid 6. Whenever you try to start it, all you hear is a kind of thunk like sound (solinoid?) . The starter does not turn over. You can turn the key off and on a few times and usually something will "catch" and it finally starts. I've been reading the threads and have seen similar problems but was wondering if anyone could shed some light on what to check first.
Thanks everyone.
Thanks everyone.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 3,739
Likes: 3
From: GANS
Starting Problem
try this- turn the key to the run position, then jump the solenoid terminal to positive with a screw driver.
if it clicks, then you probably have a loose/corroded terminal or connection.
if it starts, then your maybe your key switch is bad.
if it clicks, then you probably have a loose/corroded terminal or connection.
if it starts, then your maybe your key switch is bad.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 149
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From: Huntsville USA
Starting Problem
Mine will do that occasionally, but it has been a while. I have had it lock up real bad to the point I made my solenoid smoke a little.
It's only done it once or twice since I got my new motor. I had it hauled in to my mechanic the first time after new motor because it never seemed to "catch". By the time it got to his shop, it cranked right up.
He told me next time it happened to check the alignment of the starter, or maybe tap it with a hammer to see if that helped.
I was thinking about just replacing the starter, but the problem just went away, at least for the moment.
I hope this gives you some ideas. Let me know what you find!
Rick
It's only done it once or twice since I got my new motor. I had it hauled in to my mechanic the first time after new motor because it never seemed to "catch". By the time it got to his shop, it cranked right up.
He told me next time it happened to check the alignment of the starter, or maybe tap it with a hammer to see if that helped.
I was thinking about just replacing the starter, but the problem just went away, at least for the moment.
I hope this gives you some ideas. Let me know what you find!
Rick
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 3,739
Likes: 3
From: GANS
Starting Problem
my starter in my 351W did that when i first tried to turn the motor over after it'd set for a long time. tapping on it loosens the brushes, after they sit for a while, they get stuck to the starter shaft.
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New User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Sewanee, Tennessee
Starting Problem
I checked my battery cables and the connections to the starter and they looked good. I pulled the column cover off the steering wheel and the rod going to the switch under the dash moves ok. I hate to think its the starter itself since I just replaced it a couple of months ago. The problem last night was once I got it started, it would not stop starting. It's kind of hard to fix something when it's working! It seems that once it "catches", it will continue to start until you let it sit for awhile.
Could the solenoid beside the battery be the problem?
I really appreciate everyone's responses!
Could the solenoid beside the battery be the problem?
I really appreciate everyone's responses!
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,987
Likes: 7
From: Memphis, TN
Starting Problem
That's a "relay" by the battery, and yes, it could be the problem. It's only ~$18 at a decent parts store, and easy to change.
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Beer Fridge Finder
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 14,988
Likes: 1,151
From: Savannah, GA
Starting Problem
If you are getting the solenoid to click, I don't think the problem lies in your key. I would be willing to bet that the problem is your gound wire. Follow it from the battery, make sure it is grounded good to the frame and most importantly, to the engine block. It would probably be worth spending the $30 to replace all the cables and make sure they are connected correctly. There is nothing more important, however, than your ground connection. 
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Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 6
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From: Sewanee, Tennessee
Starting Problem
I replaced the starter and still had the same problem... I started checking connections again and the cable connection going from the battery to the relay module broke off in my hand! The terminal was burned inside pretty bad. I'm guess moisture got in it. I'll install a new one tonight. I'm pretty sure this has been my problem all along.
New User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Florida
Starting Problem
i had this same thing happen to my 86 ford....make sure the battery posts are clean and since your connection to your starter is good i can bet money it is your solenoid....i had to replace mine...but try bypassing the solenoid with a piece of 8 gauge wire, and if it starts up then you solved the problem...but if it doesn't...you know it is not your solenoid
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New User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Sewanee, Tennessee
Starting Problem
Replaced the solenoid and it started right up. I'm thinking of making some sort of plastic shield to cover the solenoid to prevent water from getting in it. I seem to get alot of moisture where I park it and I don't drive it that much. Does anyone think this might be bad idea?