Sticking starter solenoid

Tiny
JACOB HARKS
  • MEMBER
  • 1979 FORD F-150
  • 4.8L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 100,000 MILES
I have a 283 Chevrolet that is utilizing a remote Ford starter solenoid, and it has started sticking so I replaced it two times (1 Borg Warner, 1 Standard) and both stick right away. I am at a loss.
Friday, October 4th, 2019 AT 12:11 PM

4 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good afternoon,

Why are you using this additional solenoid? There is no need for a second solenoid.

Roy
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Friday, October 4th, 2019 AT 2:48 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,593 POSTS
It's a common hot rod addition, the starter gets a jumper bar and the outer solenoid takes over for the internal contacts. The SBC generates heat out of the headers that causes the OEM solenoid on the starter to expand enough that they won't start. Have the same set-up on 2 of my vehicles. About the only way the contacts might stick would be a failing starter that is drawing far more current than it should. One of the better options over the remote solenoid these days is a high torque permanent magnet starter with the smaller body like a more modern engine. They are smaller and more powerful and don't seem to get heat soaked like the originals.
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Friday, October 4th, 2019 AT 3:54 PM
Tiny
JACOB HARKS
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I was really hoping that it wasn't the starter. :( It is in about the worst possible place imaginable on my hot rod. (Right next to a frame rail that is not accessible from the underneath) Guess I will be checking the starter for excessive draw. Thanks
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Friday, October 4th, 2019 AT 7:58 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,593 POSTS
Yeah, that is the usual reason for the remote solenoid. I've seen them get hot enough that the insulation on the windings fails and they short and they start drawing a lot of current. Take a look at Speedway motors for one of their small starters. They are great because you can index the solenoid so it gives more clearance. Price wise they are about the same as a full sized unit.
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+1
Friday, October 4th, 2019 AT 9:47 PM

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