So in the past 2 years I have burned up 3 different starter solenoids. The truck has had some major wiring problems that I been fixing over time. I am curious as to what relay is supposed to be in the truck. The one that they had in it has all the wires mounted on top. But when you look at autozone and a few other places it shows the one with the mounts on the sides and front of it. I am tired of paying $30 every 6mo or less for a new one.

 

Whatever fits, I am not sure when they changed styles. Either one will work.

The problem is the quality of the new solenoids. Most are made in China, and most fail right out of the box. I am surprised you are getting 6 months out of them. The failure mode most people experience is the relay sticking on and the engine keeps cranking with the key off.

When people have problems we tell them to try a different brand and that usually works. Motorcraft used to be a good one to try, but lately who knows where they get those made.

What happens when yours "burns up" exactly?

 

Well I have had the keeps cranking when key is off, but the past 3 have totally burned up and the bat terminal has totally come out of the housing.

 

I think I would change the short battery + battery cable. They have universal fit cables on the rack at the store, a short one shouldn't be too expensive and it would eliminate the possibility of the terminal on the solenoid end of the cable being bad, causing heat and causing that stud to melt.

 

The +cable is a short cable, I think it is the 6"-8". I guess I am just getting the worst of the worst noids here. I may order a few from rock auto and see if that makes any diff.

 

Has anyone heard of the selinoid burning up the starter? I can hear the gear turnning but not engaging, I am working on getting it out but the heat in Arizona has been really high so have not had a chance to remove it and put a new one in.

 

Not really, but a defective starter will put the solenoid through the wringer. It's just a remote switch or relay. It has to carry a lot of juice. There are different levels of quality available, and duty cycle ratings, though they all look the same on the outside. A defective starter will pull a whole lot more current than a serviceable one. If it sticks and starter can't disengage, then yeah. Neither are rated for continuous duty but a lot of people treat them that way.

 

Your starter coud have a linkage problem or a clutch problem in the bendix (starter gear).

 

E7HZ-11450-A .. Starter Solenoid (Motorcraft SW-1507-B).

1980/84 F100/350 & Bronco all (gas); 1983/84 Ranger & 1984 Bronco II (gas); 1983/86 E/F250/350 (diesel).

1985 E/F150/250 & Bronco 302 except CA; 1985 F250 351W 2V with leaded fuel; 1985 E/F350 all (gas); 1985 F250/350 460.

Genuine Ford parts are made in the US or Canada. Most parts bought from auto parts stores are crap, because they're made in China.

You get what you pay for, buy the best and cry only once.