Starter Solenoid Issue
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Joined: Apr 2007
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From: Reidsville, NC
Starter Solenoid Issue
OK, I have an '84 F-150 with a 351W, Holley carb, 4x4. Went out to start the old girl a few minutes ago and she won't turn over. Lights & radio work just fine and she started with no problem yesterday. Last time this happened, I replaced the solenoid and she fired right up, so I am guessing that is it again.
Here's the problem: this makes the third one I have put on in a year and a half. I got them from AutoZone, which I know isn't the best quality, but 3 in less than 2 years?
Is this normal? They aren't expensive, but something has to be causing this and I am at a loss. The only thing difference between today and yesterday is about 25 degrees in temperature, since a massive cold front moved through last night.
Any thoughts on this would be most helpful.
Here's the problem: this makes the third one I have put on in a year and a half. I got them from AutoZone, which I know isn't the best quality, but 3 in less than 2 years?
Is this normal? They aren't expensive, but something has to be causing this and I am at a loss. The only thing difference between today and yesterday is about 25 degrees in temperature, since a massive cold front moved through last night.
Any thoughts on this would be most helpful.
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Joined: Oct 2009
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From: Pontotoc, MS
Ok, I spent two years rebuilding starters so i'm going to take a stab. Yes, cold weather is hard on starters. We used to get VERY busy when the sold snap would happen but we are talking temps in the low 30's and below. most all solenoids are made in taiwan or china, so i don't think where you buy it matters. If you have low voltage (or voltage issues) that may be popping the solenoids. Low voltage is worse than too much on burning the solenoid and starter eventually. it is easy to check your switch, ground it like on a vise and hook a hot cable to the bat side the jump over to the switch post: if the plunger works then the switch may be good. also Does the solenoid (switch) smell burnt?
i would start by checking the volts at the solenoid if you aren't getting enough to it the that will most likely be the cause.
that's what i would do anyway but remember...a mechanic i am not.
E
i would start by checking the volts at the solenoid if you aren't getting enough to it the that will most likely be the cause.
that's what i would do anyway but remember...a mechanic i am not.
E
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From: Reidsville, NC
OK, the switch may be bad, as the cylinder has been difficult to turn at times and would "stick" open at times,making me think something had gummed up the whole works. From what you described, the switch could be what has been causing these issues since I am sure it is original and probably has had something spilled on it or worse, assuming it is where I think it is. I am not sure I understand how to test the switch as you described, since I haven't even gotten my "shadetree" license yet, but I will give it a shot. I may just replace it anyway, since switches likely aren't too expensive.
Thanks for the help!
Thanks for the help!
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From: Reidsville, NC
I am pretty sure the starter is fine. It was replaced not too long ago, but when the key sticks, I know it and promptly move it. I didn't go banging on it to see if it was stuck because it was pouring rain, but I will try that before I go buy a bunch of stuff. I don't think that was it because it didn't even click or anything. If it is shot, it has to be locked up tight. But, I am pretty sure it is the solenoid that is shot. This is the same thing that happened before and I replaced the solenoid and she fired right up. Pretty cheap and easy fix, so when the rain stops, I will see what happens.
I was more concerned with WHY I kept burning them up, which I think you answered. Since the switch is pretty cheap, I will probably replace it just in case and see what happens.
Thanks again!
I was more concerned with WHY I kept burning them up, which I think you answered. Since the switch is pretty cheap, I will probably replace it just in case and see what happens.
Thanks again!
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Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Milwaukee, WI
Hey Littlejon,
Before you replace the solenoid again, try wiggling the heavy power cables first. I had my truck do the same thing after an afternoon of wheeling to find the nut on the input side of the solenoid loosened up enough to cause a carbon bridge or something and no juice! Just jiggling those wires was enough to start the truck to get me home and clean and re-tighten everything.
Good Luck, HARFEND
Before you replace the solenoid again, try wiggling the heavy power cables first. I had my truck do the same thing after an afternoon of wheeling to find the nut on the input side of the solenoid loosened up enough to cause a carbon bridge or something and no juice! Just jiggling those wires was enough to start the truck to get me home and clean and re-tighten everything.
Good Luck, HARFEND
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From: Reidsville, NC
Thanks Harfend! I did that and had no luck. They are pretty tight on there and I haven't had the old girl off road yet, or anywhere that would come close to qualifying as " off-road"!
Rain has finally let up enough that I will go bang on the starter and check those connections this afternoon. If all looks well there, I will start replacing stuff.
Thanks again!
Rain has finally let up enough that I will go bang on the starter and check those connections this afternoon. If all looks well there, I will start replacing stuff.
Thanks again!
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