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Hi All..

86 F-150, 4X4, 300 I-6.

Has an occasional "issue" with the starter solenoid getting HOT.. I don't mean a little, either.. You can't touch this bad boy..

When it gets this hot, the truck sometimes won't turn over at all, others, it will turn over slowly.

It takes, "a few" minutes to cool down.. Today I used some snow from the bed, to "ice it down.." It's never needed more than 10 minutes to cool down..

I've started carrying a spare one, in case it fails.. I did put the "other" one on, it still does it, so I'm doubting the solenoid is the issue.

The previous owner replaced the starter before selling it to me, the starter is less than 6 months old.

Any ideas on this??

I'm wondering if the new starter isn't "tight" causing a high amperage demand to start it..

It does seem to do this, when I'm doing "short errands" where I'm driving a mile or two, shutting down, and starting back up quickly..


AJ RN

 

..Starter shot.. Actually tied up, yesterday.. Luckily it did so, in my girlfriend's garage, where my 3 ton jack and stands were waiting, and it was my first day off in 5 (I work 12's!).. God love that truck!

I replaced the solenoid, fearing heat damage would cause premature failure, I'd been carrying a spare..

It's actually VERY easy to replace on the 300 I-6, I did an oil change, while I was under there, and had BOTH done, in essentially a half hour.

2 9/16" head bolts hold the starter up, you need a 3/8" to take the positive lead cable off, as well..

Anyway.. I hope this post helps someone ELSE..

AJ RN