I've got a 1987 F150, 70K miles, 6 cyl, with an intermittent starting problem that has been going on for about 4-5 months now. Sometimes when turning the key to start the engine, all I get is a click and I have to turn the key off then on again several times to eventually get it started.

The battery and alternator are about 5 months old and I've checked all battery cables from the battery to the relay to the starter and they all look good. I even removed the cable where it connected to the starter, cleaned the connection real good and tapped the starter several times with the ratchet (my buddy recommended tapping it).

The problem is getting to the point now where this afternoon I had to turn the key about 25 times before it would start, so I have to start replacing some parts before I get stranded. What makes this such a difficult problem is that it's so intermittent. This afternoon it took 25 turns of the key but this evening it started the first time.

I'm thinking the two likely culprits are the starter itself or the cable from the relay to the starter. Any thoughts?

 

Ignition Cylinder???

 

You might try adjusting the ignition switch.( bolted to the column, under the dash)

 

You need to determine which side of the relay (solenoid, actually) the fault is on. The easiest way to tell is by turning on the headlights and observing them while trying to start it the next time the problem occurs. They will either appear pretty much unaffected or will dim severely. If they stay normal, the problem is either one of the battery cables or the ignition switch. If they dim, it's either the relay, the starter, or the cable inbetween. Post what happens to the headlights, and we'll go from there. Do you have a multimeter?

Take care,
-Chris

 

Great suggestion Chris. I'll start it tonight when it's dark and post the results if it just clicks. This morning it clicked 3 times before starting. Oh, and no I don't have a multimeter.

 

We're racing tonight, but I'll try to remember to check back. You can email me at pkrwuds@pacbell.net if it's easier.

Take care,
-Chris

 

I tried starting it tonight after turning the lights on, had to turn the key 3 times, heard the click each time and the lights did NOT dim at all. Eventually when it did start, the lights dimmed while starting. One question though. What is it that causes the lights to dim? Is it the current going to the starter or is it the starter itself while it's turning? I'll also send you an email with this info. Chris. Thanks for your help.

 

Check your email.

Take care,
-Chris

 

I replaced the starter relay, tried to do the cable that goes between the relay and the starter, but couldn't find one. The auto parts store don't carry one so I might get one this week at the Ford dealer. I noticed there was some corrosion underneath one of the outlets on the relay, it was the outlet that has one of the cables that go to the starter.

So far so good today, I've been driving it running my errands and it's started perfectly each time. I'll get the cable I mentioned this week if my problem continues.

Thanks to everyone who responded, especially PKRWUD.

 

Good job Mike! I would still replace that cable whether the problem returns or not. It's good preventative maintenance. Besides, if it's terminal on the relay had corrosion, the cable is likely damaged too. Just my opinion.

Take care,
-Chris