Starting problems

[Hound Dog Lew]

This is regarding my 1985 E350 460.
When I turn the key, sometimes the engine will turn over. Other times I just get a click. Out of 10 tries, it may turn the starter. Some times sooner, sometimes later.
Should I look at soleniod? Wiring to starter? Starter?
Thanks

[PetesPonies]

If you manually jump the two large terminals on the solenoid, you will know if there is a problem with it or it's circuit. Use two large screwdrivers and understand that if you don't make a good contact with the screwdrivers, sparks may fly. Just warning you. I have done this hundreds of times, but want you to be prepared if you have never done this..

[Gary Lewis]

I agree, but would use a battery jumper cable rather than screwdrivers.  Just use one side, like the red/hot pair of clips.  And, please make sure the truck is in Park if an automatic or in Neutral if a manual transmission, and with the park brake set.  Further, stand to the side when you do it, just in case.

[Hound Dog Lew]

Thank you both!

[PetesPonies]

IMO, more chance of a problem with battery cables. They come off too easily. The two large screwdrivers ,you can control precisely.

[JimsRebel]

If needed, I would recommend a upgrade to a PMGR starter. This also fixes the problem with poor quality, high failure rates of the stock fender mount starter solenoid.  


https://bzerob2.wordpress.com/2012/11/04/ford-upgrade-to-a-pmgr-starter/

Jim

[Gary Lewis]

Or, you can just use the info right here in our backyard: Electrical/PMGR Starter Wiring.   😉

[PetesPonies]

Jim, solenoid problems have only been  when the foreign crap became available everywhere. OEM quality has never been a problem with these solenoids. Buy actual Ford, Standard or Bluestreak.

[85lebaront2]

All I can say is "buyer beware", you better take a good look at the box, even NAPA, who used to have good quality now sells Chinese relays for Fords. I would rather take a chance on a decent junkyard Ford part than a new Chinese one.

[ArdWrknTrk]

This used to be true, but not any more. (AMHIK)
After burning through more than 6 relays; Motorcraft, Carquest, NAPA, Ametek, Standard, BWD, Cole Hersee,

I'm running a cheap Chinese PMGR starter from DB Electrical and couldn't be happier.
The Advance store brand relay has no problem with the starter's 40A pull in or 13A to hold.

[Hound Dog Lew]

'Twas the solenoid.

[Gary Lewis]

Cool!  So, I guess it has been replaced.

[Hound Dog Lew]

Yes sir. AC Delco. Fires right up!

[PetesPonies]

THat was easy and cheap. Congrats

[Gary Lewis]

Hound Dog Lew wrote

Yes sir. AC Delco. Fires right up!

👍