I have a 87 F150 XLT Lariat. When it is turned over the stater wont disengage... or maybe its the relay under dash or solenoid ... any suggestions aside from pulling battery terminal and tapping on solenoid .. been there tried that ... thanks

 

I've had lots of problems with my '87 just like that. The thing that finally fixed it (after changing everything) was a new very thick positive cable.

 

I agree with JCMS ^

Purchase a new Solenoid and a 2 AWG Positive Battery Cable.

A smaller 4 AWG Positive Battery cable is stock for these trucks,
but for some reason after 20+ years, even a brand new 4 gauge cable
is not large enough; and sometimes a new solenoid will not disengage and the starter spins & spins while the engine is running until the battery cable is physically disconnected from the battery.

The more I think about it, my STARTER could have been the root cause of this positive cable too small problem, because my first solenoid (OEM) stuck when I installed a new starter from NAPA 2.5 years ago.

I then installed an aftermarket solenoid and it stuck also, same day, the 3rd one lasted for a year, then I had two more solenoids stick a week apart and two on the same day again, until I installed the 2 gauge cable in the picture. (I purchased these solenoids from Advance & NAPA)

I have not had any more problems, but last week I replaced my starter again with a new REMY Starter from Advance Auto Parts.
The new starter I purchased from NAPA was only 2 1/2 years old.

Hope this helps someone!

 

You can argue, complain, disagree, whatever....... But if you just do as mentioned, the thread will be shorter & end well for you. Still not sure why some trucks behave this way, but most of use are in agreement as to the cure! New solenoid, big *** 2 AWG cable.

I do think it's starter based high Amp draw also/ the larger wire acts as an absorber/buffer, making the contacts less likely to fuse closed during the initial draw. Make sure the small ignition actuation wire is going to the (S) terminal, or the solenoid won't release either.

 

The 2 gauge cable didn't fix mine. I have a 2 AND a 4 gauge on there now and it hasn't stuck since.



You can just make out the two cables on the left side of the solenoid and battery. I've since made it neater but this was a quick fix to test it.

 

Thas jus cus yer special!

 

Yep, them regular fixes don't work for me. My truck demands special attention. It must be holding a grudge against me.

 

my 95 did the same it stoped when i replacedthe starter

 

Hey thanks to all for your advice.... def gonna try the 2 gauge.

 

Yeah exactly what is going on with mine... thanks for info.... def gonna try this cure!