'81 300-six starting problems.....
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'81 300-six starting problems.....
Over the last month or so i've replaced the battery, hot and ground cables,and the solenoid on my truck. Since then I noticed that it was sluggish about turning over when I went to start it. Then today after a trip to town, I went to start it back and all I got was a ahhhnnnnnnnn sound, and now it won't start. My first thought is that it's the solenoid, seems to be where the noise is coming from.
Another thing I've wondered about is, on the ground cable it was routed from the battery to one of the starter bolts. When I replaced it, rather than buy a a 4ft ground cable, I ran it to the block instead. Do I need my starter ground this way?
Heading back to school tomorrow, and start a new job on Monday.....wouldn't you know something would go wrong!
Another thing I've wondered about is, on the ground cable it was routed from the battery to one of the starter bolts. When I replaced it, rather than buy a a 4ft ground cable, I ran it to the block instead. Do I need my starter ground this way?
Heading back to school tomorrow, and start a new job on Monday.....wouldn't you know something would go wrong!
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Joined: Nov 2007
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From: Denver Metro Area, CO
Many Chinese-made solenoids have been known to be bad right out of the box.
I'll suggest you go to the Ford dealer and get a Motorcraft variant.
Ground on the starter bolt, ground on the engine block... tomAto, tomAHto...
Assuming, of course, clean & good connections. Might also verify the ground
on the solenoid - it grounds to the fender via the sheet metal bolts.
I'll suggest you go to the Ford dealer and get a Motorcraft variant.
Ground on the starter bolt, ground on the engine block... tomAto, tomAHto...
Assuming, of course, clean & good connections. Might also verify the ground
on the solenoid - it grounds to the fender via the sheet metal bolts.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,271
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From: Mexia, TX
Yea, I'd definitely check those solenoid mounting bolts. Mine have gotten to be a bit loose over the years, and the holes are a bit worn. Still works fine though.
I have mine grounded on what I believe is the smog pump bracket, right above the alternator.
I have mine grounded on what I believe is the smog pump bracket, right above the alternator.
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2005
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Many Chinese-made solenoids have been known to be bad right out of the box.
I'll suggest you go to the Ford dealer and get a Motorcraft variant.
Ground on the starter bolt, ground on the engine block... tomAto, tomAHto...
Assuming, of course, clean & good connections. Might also verify the ground
on the solenoid - it grounds to the fender via the sheet metal bolts.
I'll suggest you go to the Ford dealer and get a Motorcraft variant.
Ground on the starter bolt, ground on the engine block... tomAto, tomAHto...
Assuming, of course, clean & good connections. Might also verify the ground
on the solenoid - it grounds to the fender via the sheet metal bolts.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 154
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Swapped the solenoid and battery into my other truck and they checked out. Checked the solenoid ground,battery ground and they're both good. Put on a new starter and still have nothing.....I have power in the cab for the stereo and other things,power at the battery, and at the solenoid. I just don't seem to be getting power to the starter for some reason. Could it be my fusible links causing the problem? The wire on the battery side of the solenoid has one that has been poorly spliced once before...
