I call it a mongrel because there is almost nothing original on it.

Currant problem: I did some errands this morning and it wouldn't shut off, turned off key took it out, it kept running. I got it home and pulled the coil wire to kill it. Key was off and out. plugged the coil wire back in and tried to start it, starter motor wouldn't disengage. Yanked pos batt terminal. Touched pos termonal back to the batt and starter starter motor started turning again. Disconnected, took ignition switch out of the truck and tried touching pos cable to batt. Same thing starter tried to turn, gave the solenoid a whack with a screwdriver handle, and touched the pos cable to the batt again, nothing. Put cable back on, reinstalled the ignition switch, and tried key, starter motor tries to turn but now seems to not properly engage the flywheel

I am thinking first, a bad solenoid, if I understand the wiring diagram correctly the solenoid provides power to the coil while cranking (please correct me if I am wrong on this) and it stuck providing power even when the key was off thus not letting shut the truck off.

Second some damage to either the starter or flywheel when the starter stuck on.

Back story, last winter somebody broke into my shop and stole a lot of tools, they also tried to hot wire the truck and did a bit of damage under the dash. I got things straightened out under the dash and it has been running fine for about 6 months, but I only use 2 or 3 times a month. Zero electrical problems between break in and now.

The wiring on this truck in general a something of a nightmare, I think somebody "built" their "dream truck" sometime in the early 80s and I am living with the result 30 years and 2 or 3 owners later.

I am in need of ideas and suggestions as I am somewhat stumped.

Thanks,

 

You are correct on the solenoid, the (I) terminal feeds the coil when cranking. I have seen the solenoid do what you described before. But as you stated the wiring is in bad shape which could be the problem.

 

2X Kenny. Your mention of wiring make me nervous also but it's prolly the solenoid. Ford Motorcraft part number B6AZ11450A. I remember it still being available from Ford but right now I have no access to guarantee that. One of my locators says it had been replaced by B6AZ11450B. I personally am ify on that. If Bill (numberdummy) doesn't chime in 1st I suggest you call your local Ford dealer with these numbers. Buy a Genuine Ford one rather than the made in China crap in the aftermarket world now.

 

Probably solenoid but check the positive wire going to the starter. Mine was acting up on my 72 360 (all original) and it turns out that the wire was missing some sheathing on it and it was shorting out as it was touching bare metal on the chassis. I went thru 2 solenoids until I figured it out.

 

B6AZ-11450-B .. Starter Solenoid (Motorcraft SW-7663) / Available from Ford.

 

Thanks guys first time I have been to a real keyboard in a couple of days. New solenoid seems to have fixed it. I couldn't get to the dealer so I had to settle for chinese version, I will replace with a better one first chance I get.

Thanks again

 

You're welcome. And thanks for letting us known what fixed it. We like closure.