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1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Early Eighties Bullnose Ford Truck

Battery Question Part Two.

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Old Jul 24, 2008 | 10:20 AM
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Battery Question Part Two.

So since I've purchased my new F-250 I've had my old '81 4X4 (400 motor) just kinda hanging out at the house. Well, I had to move it yesterday but when I went to move it The truck wouldnt even crank. And since the battery was tested like maybe a month ago I know the battery should not be the problem. I popped the head to check my cables to find that there was a big calcium build-up right on top of the posts of the battery all around the cables. When I was poking around under the hood last week the cables were totally fine and clean. My first question would be is: What would cause such a large build up so fast? And two: I'm going to try replacing the starter solenoid on my truck and I dont have a manual and Im not sure of the location of the solenoid, could somebody at least point me in the right direction please please!?
 
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Old Jul 24, 2008 | 10:33 AM
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The solenoid is right next to the battery, the hot cable goes to it. As far as the corrosion, I have seen batterys "leak" through the posts. I would try cleaning them and the cables, and put a thin layer of bearing grease on them, that usually halts the issue.
 
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Old Jul 24, 2008 | 10:34 AM
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Starter solenoid is located on the passenger side fender well just below the hood. All batterys continually discharge and the build-up is normal - just clean it off - and use some di-electric silicone to remake the connections.
 
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Old Jul 24, 2008 | 10:44 AM
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Cool, as long as it's somewhat normal. The starter solenoid, is it the little square box on the well? If so, mine looks like a rusted piece of carcoal.
 
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Old Jul 24, 2008 | 12:22 PM
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Just bought one from autozone. I dont have the truck with me at work but is this the device that the positive cables hooks up to directly in the engine bay?
 
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Old Jul 24, 2008 | 02:11 PM
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Correct - just to the side of the battery
 
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Old Jul 24, 2008 | 04:59 PM
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Great. Thank you so much! I hope this does the trick. If not I'll replace the cables next. They look pretty old.
 
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