'87 F-250 starting problems

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May 29, 2004 | 06:05 PM

farmb0y

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From: IOWA

'87 F-250 starting problems

1987 F-250 4x4 with a 460ci.
The starter solenoid sticks in the on position when trying to start it. It won't disengage when I turn the key off until I beat the solenoid with a hammer. The solenoid has been changed 6 times, all of them have done the same thing. Yesterday changed the starter and solenoid at the same time, both brand new, thought there might be too much current draw from the old starter, but it still stuck on. Has anybody had this problem and know what to look for besides replacing solenoid??
Thanks

May 29, 2004 | 08:34 PM

ATC_250SX

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From: Concord, New Hampshire

dose it do it if you disconnect the activation wire, the one that triggers the selinoid, and if so, try a ford selinoed, sounds dumb but youd be supprised, if its a discount parts store thing, or, you could go to a good parts store, not a discount, and get a heavy duty chole-hearsey replacment, that would fix it, or instead of ford, try a chole-hearsy first.

May 29, 2004 | 08:47 PM

Beast12

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From: Sarnia, Ontario, CANADA!

This may sound weird but did you read the diagram/instructions that came with the new solenoids? The battery cables have to be put on the solenoid (big battery posts) on a specific side. If not it won't work. I had the same thing happen about a month ago. Good luck!

-Matt

May 29, 2004 | 10:41 PM

farmb0y

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Well, got if fixed. Had to go to the older style solenoid. Once that was put in it worked fine. Guessing that the starter was drawing too much current and the newer solenoid isn't big enough to handle it and was "welding" itself on. When the solenoid is actuated an electromagnet moves a bar that connects both terminals of the solenoid, closing the circuit (I don't think it makes a difference which way it's hooked up because of that). With more current flowing through than the solenoid could handle the bar was getting "welding" in the 'on' position. Busted one of the old solenoids apart to see that.
Thanks for the help though.

May 30, 2004 | 09:04 PM

ATC_250SX

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From: Concord, New Hampshire

same thing was happening to mine when i bought it, got some serious moneys off of the purchase price for that. glad to hear you fixed it though, was there a big diffrence in the older style? o

May 30, 2004 | 10:54 PM

farmb0y

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Quote:

Originally Posted by ATC_250SX

same thing was happening to mine when i bought it, got some serious moneys off of the purchase price for that. glad to hear you fixed it though, was there a big diffrence in the older style? o

I'm guessing like what you said earlier, just need a heavier solenoid, and the older one was a little more heavy duty than the newer ones. It's working correctly so far, anyway.

May 30, 2004 | 10:57 PM

Beast12

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Quote:

Originally Posted by farmb0y

When the solenoid is actuated an electromagnet moves a bar that connects both terminals of the solenoid, closing the circuit (I don't think it makes a difference which way it's hooked up because of that).

I have heard it makes a difference. Also the reason why they include a diagram to show which side the battery cables go on.

-Matt