Starting system.

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Jul 5, 2009 | 05:02 PM

wripley7

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Starting system.

I have a 1988 F-150. I've had the truck for a few years and had great plans to "fix it up" and drive it. Right before I got it, the starter went. I replaced the starter and it ran ok. Then one day it just stopped working. The truck has been sitting for about two years now and today I got out there to start working on it again. I took the starter back out and went to have it tested. It works fine. I'm thinking that the battery is shot because unless hooked up to a jump nothing works (lights, ignition, etc.). However, when I do hook it up to a jump and try to start it, the starter selenoid makes a grinding sound. What is that? I replaced the selenoid today because while I was at the auto parts store having the starter tested, the guy suggested I get a new one. It was only 15 bucks, so I did. Do you think there is something hooked up wrong? Is there just not enough juice to get it going? I have no idea. My mechanical knowledge is limited and I need help. Any ideas?

Jul 5, 2009 | 06:04 PM

SaikotikGunman

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From: Pennsylvania Wilds

Might not be getting enough juice from the booster box/jumper cables. Check the cable ends and the battery leads themselves.

Jul 5, 2009 | 08:34 PM

subford

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From: Easton,Ks

Quote:

Originally Posted by wripley7

However, when I do hook it up to a jump and try to start it, the starter selenoid makes a grinding sound. What is that?

Low voltage.

Change out the battery with a fully charged battery and it should crank.

Jul 5, 2009 | 08:41 PM

trvcampbe

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Yea low voltage,bad connection or bad starter..The parts house has no way to put the starter under a load so there test is not always accurate.I would charge and load test the battery first.If that doesnt work,inspect and tighten all connections before replacing starter.

Jul 5, 2009 | 08:42 PM

SaikotikGunman

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From: Pennsylvania Wilds

Could be a bad cable, check for cracks in the jacket, it could seem fine, but be rotted out inside.

Jul 7, 2009 | 08:09 PM

wripley7

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I got it to start! Thanks!

Thanks for your help guys, tonight I got it to start. I picked up a new battery and new cables for both positive and negative terminals. The only cable i could use was the short positive one that goes from the positive terminal to the starter selenoid. The switch to starter cable I got was too short, and I couldn't get the negative one off of the chasis. So, I said forget it, let me try this new battery. I put it in got it all set up and turned the key. Nothing... I went back under the hood and attached the selenoid to the fender (something, I didn't think was important) and tried again. Success!! It tried to start, but wouldn't turn over. I was so happy that it actually tried to start. I got some gas, and after a few failed attempts it started up!
Also, what I said was an '88 Ford F-150 is actually a '85. I feel pretty dumb about not knowing what kind of truck I have. Anyway, thanks for all of your help I hope this new project will continue to progress nicely.

Jul 7, 2009 | 10:05 PM

SaikotikGunman

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From: Pennsylvania Wilds

For future reference, door stickers are your friend in determining the year of the truck, or at least the cab. Or look on Wikipedia under F-series, and they've got pictures of each generation.