Starter works sometimes
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Senior User
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 389
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From: Atlanta
Starter works sometimes
I seem to be having intermittent starter issues. Many months ago i replaced the original starter with a mini starter. And everything worked pretty well. Now half the time when i turn the key the starter doesn't do anything. No turn, no click, nothing. The fuel pump(electric) does turn every time. Once or twice i have turned the key and nothing but held it there for an extra second and out did turn other times continued nothing. Any ideas?
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,299
Likes: 1,059
From: NM
It sounds like you are using a non-stock ignition switch with integral starter contact? Have you checked all the wiring?
Are you using the stock Ford solenoid to trigger the starter? If you activate the solenoid with a jumper, does it crank every time?
Are you using the stock Ford solenoid to trigger the starter? If you activate the solenoid with a jumper, does it crank every time?
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Senior User
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 389
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From: Atlanta
You are right it is an after market that i have not had issues with before recently so i am assuming it is wired correctly but i will look into a diagram and how to activate the solenoid.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 4,685
Likes: 81
From: Northville, MI
I assume that you have changed from positive ground to negative ground? 6 or 12v? Since you are using the key you are no longer using the starter button? Did you change the solenoid or the wiring to the battery? Pictures?
New User
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 21
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From: Little Meadows, PA
I just had a similar problem with a "Stump Puller" starter I got from Summit Racing. Found out Summit doesn't build or warrant these and had to return it to Power Master in Chicago.
Their guy John Babcock was great to deal with and luckily mine was still within the warranty period.
John had several tips. Clean connections, check battery voltage, clean mounting surfaces, etc. The turn around time was only a couple days and now I am back in business.
Their guy John Babcock was great to deal with and luckily mine was still within the warranty period.
John had several tips. Clean connections, check battery voltage, clean mounting surfaces, etc. The turn around time was only a couple days and now I am back in business.
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Thanks,
John
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Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 389
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta
I just had a similar problem with a "Stump Puller" starter I got from Summit Racing. Found out Summit doesn't build or warrant these and had to return it to Power Master in Chicago.
Their guy John Babcock was great to deal with and luckily mine was still within the warranty period.
John had several tips. Clean connections, check battery voltage, clean mounting surfaces, etc. The turn around time was only a couple days and now I am back in business.
Their guy John Babcock was great to deal with and luckily mine was still within the warranty period.
John had several tips. Clean connections, check battery voltage, clean mounting surfaces, etc. The turn around time was only a couple days and now I am back in business.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 4,685
Likes: 81
From: Northville, MI
Since you didn't change these the most likely culprit are your battery cables and perhaps the cable running from the solenoid to the starter. They should be larger than the normal 4 gauge 12v cables if they are original 6v. Normally they would work just fine but they do corrode. Pay particular attention to area where the wire goes into the connectors. Remove the cable from the battery and clean inside where the battery posts fit. Also clean the posts. A solution of a tablespoon of baking soda to a cup of hot water will dissolve any corrosion. Just be careful not to splash it on anything (the resultant foam will eat right through clothing and burn skin). Let it sit for 5 minutes then rinse thoroughly with low pressure water (do not splash).
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 739
Likes: 1
From: Murfreesboro, TN
WOW, I haven't been on hear in a LONG time....
I have chased intermittent starter problems right up to two days ago... I was going to come tell you guys about it. I still have original starter and 6v Positive Ground.
Everyone will tell you to MAKE SURE your connections are good, clean and solid.. This is true-dat. I focused on my grounds, to my hurt... At one point it turned out that my positive terminal wire connection was compromised... Did you know lead melts at 621 degrees F? I do.
I moved in January... Mater started fine... drove to his new GARAGE. A week later I was bragging on him, and was going to start him..... NOTHING... CLICK. period. Every couple weeks I would attempt... CLICK... So I FINALLY had some time Sunday afternoon and I dropped the starter...
GO AHEAD, ASK ME... What was wrong?
MICE had pulled wadding into the bell housing and a small amount had wedged between the starter gear and the ring gear...
Cleaned it out and it started like a champ.... I was glad it cost me $0.00 to fix, but frustrated I fumed for 5 months that it once again wouldn't start.
Gotta love these old trucks.
Missed being here too. Good to see some familiar names.
Blessings,
Steve
I have chased intermittent starter problems right up to two days ago... I was going to come tell you guys about it. I still have original starter and 6v Positive Ground.
Everyone will tell you to MAKE SURE your connections are good, clean and solid.. This is true-dat. I focused on my grounds, to my hurt... At one point it turned out that my positive terminal wire connection was compromised... Did you know lead melts at 621 degrees F? I do.
I moved in January... Mater started fine... drove to his new GARAGE. A week later I was bragging on him, and was going to start him..... NOTHING... CLICK. period. Every couple weeks I would attempt... CLICK... So I FINALLY had some time Sunday afternoon and I dropped the starter...
GO AHEAD, ASK ME... What was wrong?
MICE had pulled wadding into the bell housing and a small amount had wedged between the starter gear and the ring gear...
Cleaned it out and it started like a champ.... I was glad it cost me $0.00 to fix, but frustrated I fumed for 5 months that it once again wouldn't start.
Gotta love these old trucks.
Missed being here too. Good to see some familiar names.
Blessings,
Steve
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