Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Fuel solenoid voltage

[RBrunson]

The problem that I am having is not starting or starting and immediately dying. I pulled the fuel solenoid and cleaned it, and checked the linkage, everything was ok. I have replaced my original fuel solenoid relay with a Radio Shak 30 amp type. Next I started checking voltage, the batteries are at 12. 73 volts. When applying meter to 12 v pull up wire going to the coil, I get a reading of 11. 08v when cranking over the engine. . I have a spare Radio Shak relay so I installed that one, it also reads 11. 08v at the wire going to the fuel solenoid.



Have any of you guys experienced a bad wire in the loom from the relay to fuel solenoid? I can apply a jumper directly from the battery to the fuel solenoid and it will snap up in half a heart beat each time, or do you think there is a problem with the relay. Oh I forgot to mention that I pulled the blue wire off the positive side of battery and cleaned it real good. I can also, with the key on lift the fuel solenoid and it will hold in, and the truck will start. I also installed new starter contacts last summer. So guys, where do I go from here? (No I don’t want to trade it in on a new truck, I am a die-hard 12 valver.

 

[Bob V]

Ron, I had a similar problem with a '94. The contacts in the relay where bad enough that they wouldn't't let enough current to pull up the solenoid every time. Maybe the RS relays cant handle the full load of the pull in circuit? The dealer had a better price on the relay than NAPA.

Bob V

 

[illflem]

http://www.fostertruck.com/dodge/default.htm

has a relay heavier duty than the dealer for $20

I personally wouldn't fool with one from RS

 

[Joe G.]

The RS relay should handle the current ok. I used one for about five years as a "theft delay" device. It was in series with the heavy white wire to the fuel solenoid so it had to carry the full load to the fuel solenoid. I replaced it with a 70 amp relay a couple of months ago that I got at a local electronics store. You should be able to get the heavy relay locally so you don't have to wait for a delivery. The RS relay should work if the batteries are in good shape. The blue wire may not be in good shape. For a test get a length of 10 gage wire and jump from one end of the blue wire to the other. If that works then replace the blue wire.

 

[RBrunson]

Thanks for the info, I will be looking for a relay today

 

[LarryB]

The tech data for the fuel solenoid says the draw for the "pull" coil is 47 amps and the hold coil draws 1 amp.



Just for your info.

Larry