Solenoid Death

I've gone through (2) used solenoids now, in less than 500 miles driving. Is there a heavy-duty solenoid you can buy? On my search of "solenoid" I see some of you have had to replace them but I didn't know if it was a common thing.

'71 Maverick 302ci
MSD 6-AL

 

it is a common "ford" thing buy a new one, their cheap.

 

Thanks, will do. And a spare for the trunk.

I had some buddies from work in the car for the first time since it was running well - was going to show off - and wouldn't you know it, the thing turned over half way and locked up. Had to jumper between the posts, after some diagnosing time and pounding on various things under the hood. Embarrassing.

 

I hate it when that happens!!!

 

If the starter is drawing excessive current it will damage the solenoid.

 

There are heavier duty solenoids but they are not direct replacements for the Ford solenoids. You won't find them at car parts houses - you will have to contact material handling outlets and ask for sealed single throw contactors for 12 volt pallet jacks. They are made to handle 300+ amps continuously. The contact surfaces are usually silver alloy coated to handle the power without burning and the coil is made to handle 12 volt continuously instead of the intermittent rating on the Ford solenoids.

 

Yep, we use those daily at work where we build control panels for bus air conditioning systems. But he shouldn't be damaging solenoids like that unless something else is wrong.

 

he stated two "used" solinoids.

 

True. The first one I burned up was when I was cranking the engine and it wouldn't start (problem with connectors on the MSD box). Second one was just recently when I started cranking and ignition slipped out of start, and tried to turn key again and nothing.

Bought two today for $12 ea. Got a car show I need to get to on Saturday! If I have to install my spare anytime soon I'll look into what is wrong. How many amps should I expect to pull? What is excessive?

Also, the pallet jack conversion is my kind of fix. I don't need direct Ford replacement, just something I can trust. At what amperage do I end up welding the brushes to the starter motor because the contactor doesn't fail first?

Thanks for your input. You guys are awesome.

 

replace the starter motor. i had that problem. i replaced the starter at the same time as i did the third solinoid. no problems after that

 

Have the starter tested - when it is warm. There are a few problems that can cause excessive draw. You could have a short in the windings of either the armature or the fields, brushes could be worn and/or sticking, or the armature could be swollen.

 

Thanks for the tips. I replaced the solenoid this morning and it starts up a lot better, very smooth. If this one blows, I'll replace the starter. I saw a good how-to article on this forum for replacing the starter with a later model that has an integrated solenoid; looks interesting.