Starter Solenoids Keep Blowing??

Tranner · Posted: Jun 11, 2004 6:16 am Post subject: Starter Solenoids Keep Blowing??

I have an 85 SN 2001. For some reason, I keep blowing the starter solenoids. I've gone through 6 of them in the last 2 days and all have had the same result.

I try to crank the engine over, but have to hold the key for longer than normal because the engine's timing is off so it doesn't start right away (that's the least of my worries right now). But after about 5 seconds of holding the key in the start position, I turn the key back/off but the starter solenoid gets stuck or something and the starter itself continues to crank until I remove the battery cable.

I've eliminated every other wire off of the solenoids and it still does the same thing. Soon as I go and put the cable back on the battery, the starter automatically does it's thing like the battery power is running right through the solenoid.

Hope I made sense in this ramble and desperate attempt to get some advice.

If it helps, the motor is a recently rebuilt 351W Reverse. I also just put a new Edelbrock Performer intake mani on there. The Starter Solenoids in question are mounted onto a bracket that mounts to the top of the intake manifold.

vette74 · Posted: Jun 11, 2004 6:24 am Post subject:

It sounds like your ignition switch (key) has a short in it. I think your key is stuck on start when it is in the on position. Take a continuity tester or a test light to test it out. I would also buy good quality solenoids from FORD (motorcraft).

RampageWake · Posted: Jun 11, 2004 6:51 am Post subject:

Have you checked the other 5 yo have burned up to see if they are stuck in the closed position? Ohm between the Batt/Start terminals to see.

It sounds like maybe your starter is going bad, and combined with the over advanced timing, it is putting a serious load on the solenoid. When you have it cranking, it is basically going straight to ground. This essentially welds (tacks) the contacts together inside the solenoid, and the little return spring inside is not powerful enough to pull the contacts back apart.

I would take the starter to AutoZone and have it bench tested to tell how much load it is drawing. Next, your timing is not the least of your problems, it is important that you correct it. Assuming you know how to take the cap off, and make sure rotor is pointing at #1 when #1 piston is @ TDC (on compression) you should be close enough to get it started fine.

Let us know.

Tranner · Posted: Jun 11, 2004 7:19 am Post subject:

Absolutely great advice.

The starter is brand new. It is a Marine starter by Sierra. The 6 solenoids, are unfortunately also Marine, meaning that they cost about $22/each... ouch. Luckily, my supplier warranties all of them for me.

workkky · Newbie Joined: 14 Jun 2004 Posts: 3

I had the same exact problem when i changed out my solenoid.You crank it over release the key and she still keeps turning.I replaced 2 of them ,then i decided that something wasnt right.i talked to my buddy who was a marine mecanic,he said when they are new they stick like that sometimes,i thought he was smoking crack.When i took it out i would take a wrench with me ,open the engine cover crank it over till it started then pop the solenoid,and it would disengage.I did that for about 5 starts ,then it started releasing.I know it sounds crazy,but it worked for me

DiyGuy · Soul Rider Joined: 26 Dec 2003 Posts: 460

GEESH what a PIA!

Lauch checklist:
Drain Plug in
Tow Straps off
Blower on
Crank
BEAT THE CRAP out of the starter with a hammer
Have a nice day on the water.

~~~~~~~~

Tranner · Posted: Jun 15, 2004 12:47 pm Post subject:

Apparently, I didn't have a good enough ground for the solenoid. I put two external wires coming off of the solenoid and now it works fine. Weird huh? I was told by several people that the solenoid didn't have to be grounded but when I took it to Autozone for the guy to check, he said it absolutely had to be grounded.

Now I have two 10 guage ground wires coming off the solenoid bracket directly to the block.