Best way to get at the starter solenoid?

[kcackler]

Just some quick advice needed - Have you had better luck getting at the starter solenoid from the top or bottom of the truck? From the top, I can only see one mounting bolt, and from the bottom, it looks like I can maybe get at one mounting bolt....

It's hot outside and I don't want to waste time going about it the wrong way

Thanks.

[Restrorob]

I cut the chase of trying to get to the screws by dropping the whole starter out.....

[kcackler]

Probably not a bad idea. Thanks for the tip.

[kcackler]

Next question - How many bolts are holding the starter on and where are they? I've wiped it down as much as I can, but I can only see/feel one mounting bolt, and I'm sure it's got more than that.

[79gmcc15]

I think there is only 2, and there right next to each other. its a real easy job!

[willett]

pull the starter.
for the 2 bolts it takes its worth the effort

[C-10 simplex]

If this is a small block, there should be two bolts. And i hope in your case there are actually 2 bolts present. The bolts may be parallel to each other or, more likely, staggered.

i don't have time to retrieve a picture, but here's a link as i am going thru similar circumstances:

http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/sm...?topic=12040.0

[79gmcc15]

Just to make sure. Disconnect the battery! I didn't once and got a decent shock LOL

[kcackler]

Found the other bolt. It was just buried under a mound of dirt.

Now, unfortunately, after all of that, the new solenoid doesn't do sh!t. I turn the key and get nothing. I double and triple checked the connections, and they were right, but still no power. Put the old solenoid back in and it fired right up.

Oh, and in the process of double and triple checking and getting pissed off and in a hurry, I got some nice sparks twice

So I guess my only option is to go back to the parts store and get a new solenoid and try this again later.

[kcackler]

Starting to get a bit upset at this whole situation now...

I've put two new solenoids on the truck today, and neither of them have worked, so it's obviously (hopefully) not just two duds...

Just to make sure my system is kosher: I've got two large wires that both connect to the large bolt on the top of the solenoid (when it's on the truck). I've then got a third small wire that connects to the "S" terminal (At least, there is an "S" next to the bolt)

The new solenoid looks nearly identical to my old one, so I'm almost positive it's the right part. The only difference is that on my old one, it's got a copper pipe on the bottom that connects to a terminal on the starter. On the new one, that connection doesn't extend all the way to the starter, but there is a small copper looking pipe in the package that fits between the solenoid and the starter. Besides that, the two parts are identical in every way.

When I put the new solenoid in, I get nothing. No clicks or sounds of any kind. My battery gauge goes down a bit when I turn the key, but the truck doesn't actually try to start. As soon as I put the old one back in, she starts right up.

I'm at my wit's end here...Any ideas?

[Restrorob]

Originally Posted by kcackler

As soon as I put the old one back in, she starts right up.

Just wondering...... If the above is true, Why are you replacing it ?

If you are in fact installing the new one just like the old one about the only thing it could be is a batch of bad solenoids. You can test the starter before re-installing it with jumper cables, Hook the pos cable to the large post then put the neg cable on the starter case. Take a older/junk screwdriver and touch the pos cable and the small "S" post at the same time and it should spin over.

If it works off the truck and doesn't on the truck check your wires/cables, One could have a internal break in the wire. fusible links/wires are known for internal breaks, The wires get moved around each time you remove/install them.


Good Luck

[kcackler]

It's being replaced because it doesn't always start. Sometimes I'm left in a parking lot for 5 or 10 minutes while it decides whether or not to turn over....My grandpa said it's been getting worse for the last few years.

Thanks for the tip on testing it off the truck. I'll double check the connections tomorrow and see if she spins. If not, I'll check out one from a different store and see if it was in fact just a bad batch.