Help starter trouble
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 184
Likes: 0
Help starter trouble
'87 f150, FI, 4.8 l6
Ok for like the past week my starter had been acting up but today I couldn't get it to work at all.
When I turn the key it clicks, intermidantly like a ratcheting sound. I am going to clean and inspect the electrical conections but does this mean I need a new starter?
I really have no idea what is going on here so any advice would be great.
Not to completly embarase my self but I can't even find the starter. Where is it?
Thanks,
Blindlightguy
Ok for like the past week my starter had been acting up but today I couldn't get it to work at all.
When I turn the key it clicks, intermidantly like a ratcheting sound. I am going to clean and inspect the electrical conections but does this mean I need a new starter?
I really have no idea what is going on here so any advice would be great.
Not to completly embarase my self but I can't even find the starter. Where is it?
Thanks,
Blindlightguy
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 641
Likes: 1
From: Louisiana
Are you sure it's not the starter solenoid on the fender mounted behind the battery making the racheting noise?
Trending Topics
Junior User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
Good call LoosMaster didn't thank of that..... Could be the battery is bad, the connection to the solenoid.........??
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 184
Likes: 0
Well I fidled with the conections and banged on the starter a bit and then I tried to start it. Now it turns over a bit but doesn't start. So I am thinking I have just worn the battery down from all the attempts. And that maybe the solinoid is failing?
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 184
Likes: 0
The conection to the solinoid, assuming its that round thing with all the wires coming out of it just behind the battery, seems fine, but I will clean it.
How would one tell if the solinoid is going?
How would one tell if the solinoid is going?
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 641
Likes: 1
From: Louisiana
I've had them make all kinds of different noise's. Anywhere from a loud single "clack" to a light buzzing sound. The best way to tell if it's the solenoid is to turn the key to the run position then jump across the 2 large post with a screw driver(preferably one you don't like) and see if the starter will rotate the engine. Just make a momentary contact with the screw driver, don't hold it for more that 1 or 2 seconds. This will either weld the screwdriver to the contacts or serverly arc damage the threads on the solenoid. When you do the jump, do it quick and hard making a good contact.
Last edited by LoosMaster; Mar 24, 2006 at 03:35 PM.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 641
Likes: 1
From: Louisiana
Get the new model solenoid that's diode suppressed. It's supposed to prevent backflow of current during starting which burns out the contacts. It's gray in color, not black like the old one and has a sticker on it stating so.