First off I acquired a 89 F-250 4X4 with a 300 6cyl with 95,000 miles last week that was going to be auctioned off at work.

Problem was it needed a clutch, and brakes lines (due to rust). Truck has been sitting for little over a year since it ran last. I went down Thursday to see if I could get it to run with no luck. Put a new battery in it and all the dash lights, radio, and all accessories work but here's my problem. I can't get not even a click out of the starter or solenoid when turning the key, If I take off the starter wire and directly put it on the battery the engine will turn over. I haven't checked the starter solenoid since I didn't have my meter or a jumper wire when I was there last. My thinking is that the neutral switch may be not activating? Is this a common failure or should I be looking elsewhere?

Can I check or bypass the neutral switch on this truck to just find out if this is the problem? My other question is this neutral switch located under the dash. (I should note that this truck is a manual 4 speed with OD or should I say 5 speed?) I believe I found the switch but I don't have a wiring schematic to tell which wire should cross to what wire and the Haynes manual doesn't show the neutral switch or any interior wiring.

Sorry for all the ?'s Yes, I know I am a Newbie

 

Ok, there's a couple things you can do.

1) Check the Solenoid. All you have to do is short the small terminal with the tiny wire to the terminal with the battery wire on it. Make sure the truck is in Neutral. If the Engine turns, then it's the Sol. that's bad.

If that doesn't work...

2) Check the Clutch interlock switch. I'm not sure about your truck, but my truck's safety switch is located on the Clutch master cylinder arm right above the gas pedal. I'm able to slide it back about 3 inches, which triggers it and allows me to start it with the key.

If THAT still doesn't fix it, then you're going to have to check the ignition, and the wiring.

 

Ummm... if he shorts it and it tries to start, doesn't it mean that the solenoid is good and the problem lies in the circuit that should be kicking the realy on?

 

You might be able to get electrical diagrams at autozone.com.

 

If he jumps the fender mounted solenoid and it truns over, it's the solenoid. You can use a pair of pliers or jumper wire and confirm. I'd put some Marvel Mystery Oil in the crankcase and drain what gas I could as I'm sure no one stabilized the fuel. I'd put some Marvel Mystery Oil in the gas also. I would change the oil/filter prior to trying to start and use a fairly light oil, 5W-30, so that you got good oil infiltration into the journals and bearings. You are probably going to develop some whitish residue in the oil cap due to condensation from sitting so long also. Don't be alarmed, just wipe it out and watch it closely. Once you have started the truck and made it safe to drive (read brakes, etc) you should immediately change all the fluids/filters. I'd hate to get it to start just to spin a bearing or wipe a lobe on the cam. Based on how long you've stated that the truck had been sitting-up, I think one of the first things I'd do would be to get a manual for the truck. Good luck! If any other issues, just post, someone will be on it.