Starter Solenoid

[Deep]

Seems like every three to four months and sometimes even longer, I have to replace my starter solenoid. It sticks when I start the engine and I have to run out, pop the hood and tap on the solenoid with a wrench. This is a 1987 Ford Bronco Eddie Bauer Edition with a 302 5.0 litre engine. Any ideas what I need to be doing different to stop this. Is this a common problem?

 

[Seabronc]

Does the truck start hard? In other words do you have to crank a lot to get it started? If so, you will most likely go thru solinoids because they are not designed to carry heavy loads for long periods of time. That will burn up the solinoid. Another possibility is that the starter may have some shorted windings causing it to draw higher than normal current which welds the solinoid contacts.

Good luck,

>-

 

[cjbronco]

I have the same problem in my 82' Not as frequent but maybe 2 times a year. I have a spare in the truck b/c I can usually tell when its happening. Its like a $12 peice so its an easy fix. But then again, I dont have an 87' 302.... Good luck.

 

[Justshootme84]

I have the same problem going through solenoids every couple of months. I initially bought one with a lifetime warranty, so it's no cost to replace'em so often. Just a hassle when it won't start!!!

My Dad's solution was to ground the battery to the frame AND engine. My 84 had no motor to frame ground. This has not only made the most recent solenoid last longer, but the engine starts right up. Make sure ALL cables and connections are good and clean, too.

 

[mudmonster]

Is this a common problem?

28530[/snapback]

​

It is a very common problem. I used to work for a guy that owned a towing business and all his mid-sized wreckers were Ford F350-F450's and most of them had this problem at one point. In fact, his one wrecker is the same year as your's and it had this problem more than any of them.

 

[Seabronc]

My Dad's solution was to ground the battery to the frame AND engine. My 84 had no motor to frame ground. This has not only made the most recent solenoid last longer, but the engine starts right up. Make sure ALL cables and connections are good and clean, too.

28553[/snapback]

​

That's a good one, I forgot about the grounding, probably because that is one thing I don't have a problem with as I beefed mine up by running extra grounds back to the battery and added grounding distribution blocks. The main reason I did it was to reduce the current draw thru body panels which cuts back on rust cause by galvonic action. I haven't had a solinoid crap out in over 5 years.

>-