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Oct 28, 2003 | 04:26 PM

lariat99

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starting ?s

I browse a lot here but this is my first post. I tried finding some answers but i haven't found anything yet. I am restoring a 78 f150 with a 351m. i pulled it rebuilt it and have it back in. Everything is in and when i try to start I just get a click from the selenoid on the fender. It has a new battery and i had the old starter tested. it was drawing a lot so I got a new one. same click. do i need a selenoid too? thanks for your help.

Oct 28, 2003 | 04:32 PM

luckild

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Joined: Jun 2003

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Do you have a way to check the solenoid? Also, you can by-pass it with a jumper cable. Battery to starter terminal and it should spin.

Oct 28, 2003 | 04:39 PM

grapegravy

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From: Southern NJ

Exactly, jump the solenoid main posts. If the motor starts, replace the solenoid.

Oct 29, 2003 | 05:50 AM

macguyver

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Joined: Aug 2002

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From: Minneapolis, MN

Also, make sure you have a good connection between your ground cable and the block. Scrape off that nice new paint and use a star washer between the cable and the block.
Just a thought.

Oct 29, 2003 | 08:23 AM

armyguy

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Joined: Sep 2003

Posts: 86

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From: Washington

HMMM lets walk through this,If your getting a click then we know your getting power to the selenoid, and the selenoid is activated through the ignitiopn swicth so that`s good, the only thing left is the ground, some selenoids have two small studs "external ground" some had one small stud for the ignition switch wire and grounded internally, make sure you have a good ground..you say it`s a new battery, it`s a long shot but I`d try another battery or jump it with another vehicle just to make sure "you never know"
Congrads on the rebuild!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oct 29, 2003 | 09:18 AM

beartracks

Lead Driver

Joined: Nov 2000

Posts: 6,637

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From: Albuquerque

I hate to mention this but are you sure the engine will turn over freely? Id put a breaker bar on the balancer nut and make sure it's not too tight.

Oct 29, 2003 | 11:35 AM

grapegravy

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Joined: May 2003

Posts: 967

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From: Southern NJ

Great point, Armyguy, I forgot about the internally grounded ones. If the mounting bracket isn't getting a solid connection with the wheel well then you would also have this lack of power problem. Is yours a two post or one, Lariat?