Starter/solenoid issues

[70sbudget]

Alrighty, the time has come to turn the key. Engine set at tdc, wires routed, and rotor pointed at #1. Turn the key and eeerrrg. That's kind of the sound I got. After that, just a click.

I have no idea how this solenoid works and how old the starter is.

I would like to replace the starter with something new and smaller. Are there any high torque options from newer models that are available over the counter and will work with the 302 and a 164 tooth ring gear?

 

[904Bronco]

So how is your battery, fully charged, more than 12v showing?

Condition of Battery cables? Starter cable good? Got a good Ground point for the motor and starter solenoid? Good clean terminal ends on the battery

You can buy new parts, but it will not matter if these parts are in question.

Yes new smaller starter PM (Permanent Magnet) Most Vendors sell them. Really cheap China specials on EBay. There are two sizes, short nose (manual) and long nose (automatic). 164 tooth and 157 tooth are not interchangeable.

 

[Steve83]

These show how the 2 styles of Ford starter relay work:

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But the first thing to check is ALWAYS the battery terminals. Replacing the starter &/or relay won't fix the battery terminals, and they're the most-common point of failure because of the acid that invariably leaks out around the posts over time. Click this & read all the captions in the photo album:



To temporarily bypass the relay, and see if the starter works; simply bridge the 2 heavy terminals with thick metal (like steel pliers). There WILL be sparks, but there will be less if you get a good bite on the terminals quickly, and hold steady. If the starter makes the same sound, remove the bridge and immediately check all the cable terminals for heat. If all the heat is in the starter, the starter is bad (or the engine is locked up). But if you find a blazing-hot wire or terminal, that's where the problem is. Clean, repair, and tighten the terminal or cable.



If bridging the relay makes the starter spin normally, the relay is the problem. The new style is a direct replacement for, and an improvement on, the old style. Just make sure any replacement starter relay has the same terminal labels as your original (specifically, the "I" terminal).

Once you at least KNOW what the problem is, you can decide how to fix it. If you decide to replace the starter with a PMGR, it only takes 1 new wire, as shown here:

 

[70sbudget]

904Bronco good questions. Battery is brand new. Cables are questionable at best. New ground straps from battery to body and frame to engine will be going in also.

I'll check current next time I wrench on it.

Do you know what model vehicle those starters were used on?

 

[904Bronco]

904Bronco good questions. Battery is brand new. Cables are questionable at best. New ground straps from battery to body and frame to engine will be going in also.

I'll check current next time I wrench on it.

Do you know what model vehicle those starters were used on?

I want to say 80's pick up truck with 302... I will look for a thread that I remember reading.

 

[904Bronco]

http://classicbroncos.com/forums/showthread.php?t=273783&highlight=starters

Found this one...

 

[ransil]

904Bronco good questions. Battery is brand new. Cables are questionable at best. New ground straps from battery to body and frame to engine will be going in also.

I'll check current next time I wrench on it.

Do you know what model vehicle those starters were used on?

battery should go to block then off the block to the frame & body

 

[gr8scott]

Do you know what model vehicle those starters were used on?

1995 Ford F150 5.0/302. Specify automatic or manual.

 

[Eoth]

Your "eeerrrg" sound.... Do you hear your starter spinning? If you do, then its probably your Bendix gear that isn't engaging your flywheel.

 

[Trappey74]

I had the same issue with my 74 in the spring. I replaced the starter and solenoid. Didn't fix it. Tried bypassing solenoid, didn't do anything. Ended up being a loose ground on the back of the alternator. Once I tightened that up and got it to the shop I got the guys to complete the full circuit of grounds running to the frame, body, engine. Cranking perfectly now. I'd be willing to bet you have a bad connection somewhere.

 

[70sbudget]

In the end the issue was a a loose terminal in the solenoid.

 

[904Bronco]

In the end the issue was a a loose terminal in the solenoid.

Thx for checking back in with that, might help the next guy.