Hound Dog Lew Posted September 25, 2017 Share Posted September 25, 2017 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PetesPonies Posted September 25, 2017 Share Posted September 25, 2017 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.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary Lewis Posted September 25, 2017 Share Posted September 25, 2017 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.. 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hound Dog Lew Posted September 25, 2017 Author Share Posted September 25, 2017 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. Thank you both! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PetesPonies Posted September 25, 2017 Share Posted September 25, 2017 Thank you both! IMO, more chance of a problem with battery cables. They come off too easily. The two large screwdrivers ,you can control precisely. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimsRebel Posted September 25, 2017 Share Posted September 25, 2017 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary Lewis Posted September 25, 2017 Share Posted September 25, 2017 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 Or, you can just use the info right here in our backyard: Electrical/PMGR Starter Wiring. 😉 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PetesPonies Posted September 25, 2017 Share Posted September 25, 2017 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 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
85lebaront2 Posted September 25, 2017 Share Posted September 25, 2017 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. 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ArdWrknTrk Posted September 25, 2017 Share Posted September 25, 2017 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. 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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