Help !! Starter Solonoid Acting Up

[dphillipsx]

Been having trouble with the solonoid contacts for a couple of weeks. I need to replace them right away, as I'm going to Laughlin this weekend. I've been calling around auto parts stores trying to find a contact repair kit, (No Luck). Does anyone know where I can find one, (part # etc ??) Also how long to do the repair ?? Advice is appreciated.

 

[Oliver88]

Diesel Electric in Arizona. 520. 836. 8231. 29. 50 plus S&H. Doesn't take long to fix.

Greg

 

[gitchesum]

Just got off the phone with Keith at Diesel Electric in Arizona. Got two kits coming. He told me he's got plenty on the shelf.



29. 95 + 8. 50 shipping

 

[Alaskaskiff]

After seeing trucks newer than mine needing this fix, decided it was time to order one up as a ready spare. Contacts are a lot cheaper than a whole starter.

 

[gitchesum]

From what I understand, it;s more than just the starter as risk. It could wipe out that $300+ shutdown solenoid.







Someone please correct me if I'm wrong

 

[FParisi]

I got mine at an auto electric co. - they rebuild starters - for 10. 62 tax included. The replacements were not quite the same, a longer electrode leg that I had to grind down a little. Take the old ones out to check. I checked starter operation with jumper cables before reinstalling.

It doesn't take too long once you figure out how to get at the bolts. It's sure worth saving $300!

Frank

 

[Missouri Mule]

dphillips

Try auto electric shop or starter/ alternator repair shop they may gripe a little but will sell you what you need.

 

[QRTRHRS]

Originally posted by gitchesum

From what I understand, it;s more than just the starter as risk. It could wipe out that $300+ shutdown solenoid.







Someone please correct me if I'm wrong

Yup! Mine stuck, I ran to the garage, grabbed a wrench to remove the cables and by the time I popped the hood, the selenoid had burst open. I had turned my key off. I keep thinking I had read to leave it on.



Anyway, I could not let the truck sit while waiting so went to the stealer who grabbed me for 400 for the new improved version, the original no longer available. The new and improved version being larger in diameter rubbed my master cylinder. Had to "cant" the cylinder towards the fenderwall to solve that. Then adjust the brake light switch. Rather than buy a new selenoid, I think a cable control would do fine.



Moral to the story, change the contacts. By the way, there are several versions, make sure your replacements match.

 

[Six_Man_Diesel]

Couldn't you just pull the plug on the selenoid?? Then disconnect the batteries?? Of course you would have to think fast though.

 

[Bob Ellithorpe]

Knife Blade Switches

Buy two knife blade switches and install on positive battery posts of both batteries. Anytime you have a problem,just open the switches. This kills all power from the batteries.

Switches are available from several sources. Got mine from Campers Choice for approx. $20. 00@ plus S&H.

 

[Alaskaskiff]

Or for that percentage of us with manual gearboxes, stand on the brake, pick your gear, stall it out. No extra parts needed.

 

[dphillipsx]

Well I was going to take an extra day off work tomorrow, pull the starter and make the repair. However the Darn thing has not acted up in 3 days. Do I chance it ??

 

[gitchesum]

Definately chance it.



Mine might go for a week or more without a problem. It will come back.



$30 bucks versus $300+

 

[QRTRHRS]

Originally posted by Alaskaskiff

Or for that percentage of us with manual gearboxes, stand on the brake, pick your gear, stall it out. No extra parts needed.

I tried that. Believe it or not, I could not stall the truck out.



SLewis, I did not think fast enough to pull the plug.



Bob, the switch idea is a good one. Have to put that on the "to do" list.

 

[FParisi]

Right - that wouldn't work cause the problem is a stuck starter, you stall it, it starts right back up again.

The instructions in the manual do say to disconnect BOTH NEG terminals.

 

[gitchesum]

So far, stalling the engine has worked fine for me. Not sure why it works but, after I stall the motor by putting it in gear, the starter works fine.

 

[dphillipsx]

Did a trial run tonight on the removal. Climbed underneath to scope out the situation. How many mounting bolts hold this thing on ?? I could see 2 lower, and could feel 1 upper but coulden't see it. Not like a good old G. M with 2 right where you can get to them, and my Chiltons book isn't very disciptive on Diesels. looks like I need to order a Helm's manual.

 

[Joe G.]

You need the Dodge service manual. The others would work ok in an outhouse I guess.



There are two wires on the starter. A little one and the big hot one from the battery. Three screws. You need either a 10mm 12pt socket or a 10mm 12pt wrench. It's actually pretty easy to get out.

 

[Missouri Mule]

My truck did it three times the first two it shut off by itself after I opened the hood and wondered what I should do.



The third time I followed recomended procedure for a starter's drive pinion gear being jamed (stuck).

A jammed drive pinion gear can be freed( when engine is running) by putting in to high gear and rocking back and forth.

Yes I know its not the pinion gear getting jammed. (its electrical)

But it makes a whirring sound like the starter pinion gear is stuck and the overrunnning clutch is working overtime.



I put it in 5th and let the clutch out while key was off and engine running it knocked the starter pinion gear back into the starter and the engine shut down. Sorry automactics can not do this. (third time)



Pulling negative cables off battery seems to be the best way for autos or manuals (if 5th/6th gear/letting clutch out doesn't work).



It seems to me if you kill the engine with starter still running you could burn starter up.



Pulling the shut off solenoid connector apart is pretty good you will only burn up its relay then. rolleyes:



BTW are your fuel lines leaking down on starter?



Good Luck

 

[Ben Rumson]

Get your contacts FLAT !

Replace my contacts a year ago.



Got a new set of contacts from a local alternator and starter shop (and yes, they did complain a little, but reluctantly sold me what I needed so that I could do the job myself)



In finding out the do's and don'ts before doing the switch, two (2) different mechanics who rebuild starters told me to be sure and get the contacts as perfectly flat as possible and make sure they were fully seated. If the contacts get installed at a slight angle, they will wear much quicker. Makes sense...