86fordman

Hello, i have an 86 ford f150 and im having a couple problems 1st i dont know what happened but my starter solenoid melted! any ideas on why that did that? so i went and got a new heavy duty one but when i hooked it up the starter would turn the engine about 3 times then just stop, once i finally got it to start it was running really rough and putting off a lot of smoke and then would die when i left off the gas. the turning 3 times has happened before if i remember right and i think i put the bwd select on there and it worked why does it matter which one i use? and when i try starting it the positive cable running to solenoid gets hot why is it doing that? any ideas? 2nd i changed the filter in my trans and now its making a knocking noise what could be the problem? need help soon!!

86fordman

now after looking online it looks like im suppose to use a relay not a solenoid but whats the difference? and it still dont explain why it gets hot!

1967 Tempest

It sounds like the starter might be shot. If the windings are touching inside the starter motor, the solenoid will be energized 100% of the time. This will cause it to melt and burn up. I would pull that and have it tested at an auto parts store.

When you changed the filter, did you make sure that the level is correct? A lot of times people do this WAY to late and a new filter and fluid move debris that was lodged but not doing anything bad. Now the pump is working more effeciently and the debris is in the tranny.

Thoughts?

86fordman

i think i found the problem on why the starter wouldnt work right! im assuming its cause my truck needs a relay instead of a solinoid cause right before i drove it to where it sits now it was running fine and then i went to leave and it wouldnt start and i noticed the relay/solenoid melted and so i went and bought a solenoid but its the relay i need im thinking, and yes i completely refilled the trans.

1967 Tempest

Well I looked on Rockauto.com and I can not find a starting RELAY as it were. I did find the starter solenoid.

Were would you put this relay? The key should act as a relay for you. When you turn the key to start, the energy should flow from the IGN switch to the solenoid to start the engine. Then with the key in the "on" position, this should keep the ignition on to keep engine running.

86fordman

i got it to finally start when jumping it but once you tale the cables off and left off the gas then it dies and the hole time it runs rough! does that mean i need a bigger battery?

ScaldedApe

I would think the alternator is taking over once it cranks. Maybe it's not putting out enough amps at idle?

1967 Tempest

That could be. If the alternator is dieing the battery will have to work harder to keep the voltage correct at the battery.

Before you start the car, check voltage at the battery. should be right around 12 VDC. With the truck running the voltage at the battery should be between 13.8 and 14.4.

Under that the alternator is bad if it is internally regulated. If externally regulated you can replace the voltage regulator first to see if that helps.

Over 14.4 is bad too as the alternator is at max output 100% of the time and will shorten its life. But I think the 1st scenario is a better fit.

If the voltage is below 14.4 then the ignition will not work correctly and run rough.