question on 84 f250

[perchking]

For some odd reason I just love old steel for plowing. Last fall I picked up a 1984 f250 with a 8foot western plow for $100, not good to look at but it can push some snow. I have a question regarding solenoids burning out. I have replaced 2 of them this year already, not a huge financial loss because they are only $10. But I believe it is due to a faulty ignition or ignition switch. I have had the starter checked out and all it fine and the battery is also new. When you start the truck you typically get smoke coming from the positive side of the solenoid and if you turn it over to long it will literally melt the solenoid which in turns melts the cables connected. I have heard it is most likely the ignition or the ignition switch, can anyone chime in if I am going down the wrong road on this one?

[Jeremy airjer W]

I would check the amperage draw of the starter, all the ignition switch does is energize the solenoid ( it works just like a relay, low amperage controlling high amperage ) if it's smoking there is either high resistance causing heat or there is to much current draw, or possible you are getting cheep solenoids ( autozone maybe? ).

[perchking]

That could be the case, I bought the ones with the plastic housing and the canister metal style ones. I cant tell you for sure but I don't think one lasted any longer than the other. It only smokes once they are close to burning out. My goal is not to burn them out. Also this may help, after the truck heats up it wont start until the engine is cold again. So when I plow I make sure not to stall it or I am sol.

So two things I need to figure out:

Why am I burning up Solenoids

Why doesn't my truck start when it is warm

[jmd1]

sounds like a starter issue to me. the exhaust runs right next to the starter and it gets hotter than heck. we use to wrap the exhaust in that area to help keep some of the heat off the starter. this could be the reason you are toasting solenoids.

[Jeremy airjer W]

I agree. Its really common for those starters not to start after a hot soak.

[Macgyver55]

+3 on the starter!

[perchking]

Hey Thanks everyone, I will take it off this weekend and bring it in to test it again.

thanks

[Macgyver55]

You would be better off testing the current draw while under a load (as in while cranking the engine)

Bench testing wont tell you much about the maximum draw with no load applied.

[SkunkedAgain]

I put about 5 or 6 starters in my 1985 F150. It ate those things for breakfast. BTW - I wish I still had some old steel. Those trucks are beauties

[perchking]

Thanks Guys it was the starter. I wrapped the muffler that runs along the starter with some heat resistance tape. I guess time will tell how long this one will last.

thanks again.