1979 Ford F150 Starter problem
04-18-2015, 07:04 PM
#1
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1979 Ford F150 Starter problem
Hi, New to the Forum. I have a 2014 F150 and just purchased a 1979 Custom for my son who will turn 16 in a year. Bought the truck and it ran, but after getting it home my son tried to start it to show off to a friend without me around and now it won't start so I don't know exactly, if anything, happened. I'm decently mechanically inclined but don't have a lot of experience with engines, so please don't hold back on the obvious answers.
1979 F150 Custom 4x4 351 Cleveland. Two owners ago "rebuilt" the engine (3000 miles). There are 169K miles on the truck.
Turning the key gives me a whirring sound (no clicking). So first thought was the starter was spinning freely and not engaging the engine. I removed the starter and everything seems to be fine so I reinstalled. I then replaced the solenoid just in case and no change. I have no problem putting a new starter in it but would love somebody to tell me that's the issue before I just start replacing parts.
Thanks.
1979 F150 Custom 4x4 351 Cleveland. Two owners ago "rebuilt" the engine (3000 miles). There are 169K miles on the truck.
Turning the key gives me a whirring sound (no clicking). So first thought was the starter was spinning freely and not engaging the engine. I removed the starter and everything seems to be fine so I reinstalled. I then replaced the solenoid just in case and no change. I have no problem putting a new starter in it but would love somebody to tell me that's the issue before I just start replacing parts.
Thanks.
Last edited by SkiTower; 04-19-2015 at 07:50 PM.
04-19-2015, 07:29 PM
#2
I would pop the cover off the starter motor "solenoid" and make sure the contacts are clean and not scored or pitted. You need that circuit closed in order to get the clapper to move.
04-19-2015, 08:06 PM
#4
The one on the fender by the battery is different. Newer cars have that solenoid on the starter itself.
On the older clapper style the closed circuit (essentially a dead short) is what draws the massive current at first. That winding pivots the lever, thrusting out the starter drive and opens the contact.
On the older clapper style the closed circuit (essentially a dead short) is what draws the massive current at first. That winding pivots the lever, thrusting out the starter drive and opens the contact.
04-19-2015, 10:23 PM
#5
The one on the fender is technically a solenoid, but it's function is to act as a relay switch. The solenoid on the starter actually pushes the starter drive gear (bendix) out to engage with the flywheel and at the end of it's stroke it connects 2 copper contacts and sends power through the starter motor itself.
from your description, it sorta sounds like your starter motor is spinning but the bendix isn't engaging with the flywheel ?
You could put a new bendix and solenoid on the starter or just throw a new starter at it.
It should (hopefully) solve the problem, but if it doesn't, a new starter on an old truck isn't going to be a waste of money.
from your description, it sorta sounds like your starter motor is spinning but the bendix isn't engaging with the flywheel ?
You could put a new bendix and solenoid on the starter or just throw a new starter at it.
It should (hopefully) solve the problem, but if it doesn't, a new starter on an old truck isn't going to be a waste of money.
