1988 f150 starter problems

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Nov 16, 2017 | 11:16 AM

Lassie257

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Joined: Nov 2017

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1988 f150 starter problems

I have a 1988 f150 and have had it for over a year. Its just an old farm truck i use for haulin stuff from point a to point b. 2 months ago the starter went out so i replaced it. Then it started actin really wierd. A few times id run it for a bit then shut it off and itd sit there and try to run still so id have to get in and crank it over and let it run another min or so then itd turn off and stay that way. A couple weeks ago it did this to me but when i turned it back on i could hear the starter running even with the engine on. It ran for about 15 seconds then the whole damn truck just died. Popped the hood and the negative battery terminal had melted off the battery and the started was locked up tight as a virgin. I got a new terminal, checked all the wires for spots that could be dead grounding and wrapped them in black tape, and i got another starter and put it on. I was hopin that would be the end of it but just last night it started running the starter with the engine on again. Luckily it didnt lock it up again or melt the terminal but still im sinkin alot of money into a beater truck and not havin anything to show for it. Does anyone have an idea why its doin this? Im at a complete loss.

Nov 16, 2017 | 06:30 PM

Thinlizzy13

Tuned

Joined: Jun 2011

Posts: 355

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From: CNY

For the starter staying on I would think solenoid initially.
If it runs and then dies shortly after I'd check fuel pressure/pumps to start out with. .02

Nov 16, 2017 | 08:51 PM

88n94

Cargo Master

Joined: Jan 2004

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From: South Dakota

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thinlizzy13

For the starter staying on I would think solenoid initially.

Thinlizzy is 100% correct about the solenoid. On a 1988, the only way the power can get to the starter is through the fender mounted solenoid.

Nov 17, 2017 | 01:08 AM

88n94

Cargo Master

Joined: Jan 2004

Posts: 3,118

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From: South Dakota

Quote:

Originally Posted by 88n94

On a 1988, the only way the power can get to the starter is through the fender mounted solenoid.

I should have also mentioned, power can get to the starter through the solenoid if the ignition switch is feeding power to the solenoid. When the starter sticks and keeps cranking the engine, raise the hood and pull that little slip on wire off the solenoid. If the engine quits cranking you'll know it's a bad ignition switch, if the engine continues cranking give the solenoid a few karate chops, that usually unsticks it.

All that being said, you may just want to go buy a new solenoid and hopefully eliminate your problem. Only Ford Motorcraft solenoids are recommended.