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  •  » FYI Ford, Classic Mustang Tech Discussion
  •  » Sticking Starter Relay, Starter Doesn't stop

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    9/07/2019 5:58 PM  #1

    M1Mustang69
    I FYI 24-7

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    Registered: 5/17/2013
    Posts: 494

    Sticking Starter Relay, Starter Doesn't stop

    So this one's new to me.
    I've used this starter now for a decade, noticed it "acting up" lately so likely time to change, but the funny thing is my Fender Mount Relay wasn't working.  So I replaced it.  Then it started sticking, so I replaced it again.  That one sticks......could a bad starter cause the relay to stick????

    I ordered a new one cause I think it's time anyways, but would like to know if there's anything else I should be looking for.

    1969 Mustang 351W, T5 Trans

     

    9/07/2019 8:06 PM  #2

    Nos681
    Senior 24-7 FYI Addict

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    From: Atlantic Mine, Michigan
    Registered: 7/14/2016
    Posts: 3,343

    Re: Sticking Starter Relay, Starter Doesn't stop

    You may want to look at your ignition switch too.

    Two possible ways:

    1) doesn’t spring back to “run” after starting

    2) contacts sticking close in start even though it springs back to “run”

    You should be able to check the operation without starter lead connected to start solenoid in engine compartment.

     

    9/08/2019 4:24 PM  #3

    MS
    Forum Originator

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    From: Canyon Lake, Texas
    Registered: 1/24/2013
    Posts: 12,293

    Re: Sticking Starter Relay, Starter Doesn't stop

    A discharged battery will cause cranking amps going through the starter solenoid to cause the solenoid contacts to weld together. Sometimes the solenoids are just crappy and the contacts hang up
    On their own. A 3/4” combination wrench, used as a percussion device, can sometimes be used to whack the solenoid and make it let loose.

    Replace solenoid and make sure all wires are properly tightened. Charge the battery before starting if suspect.

    Money you enjoy wasting is NOT wasted money... unless your wife finds out.
     

    9/08/2019 7:50 PM  #4

    red351
    I FYI 24-7

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    From: Carlisle, PA
    Registered: 5/31/2018
    Posts: 445

    Re: Sticking Starter Relay, Starter Doesn't stop

    A starter drawing far too many amps. (shorting out inside) to crank over the engine will do it. So it may be time for a new starter.

     

    9/09/2019 7:28 AM  #5

    Gaba
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    From: Van Alstyne Texas
    Registered: 1/15/2014
    Posts: 1,009

    Re: Sticking Starter Relay, Starter Doesn't stop

    battery issue. your battery under load is dropping the voltage too low. so to do the same amount of work, starter is drawing a lot more current, and hence like Steve said above.. the contacts are getting welded inside the solenoid.

    Before you go change the starter, get your battery checked at an auto parts store

    If it aint broke, I have'nt tried to "Fix" it yet!
     

    9/11/2019 8:17 PM  #6

    Texas!
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    Registered: 6/27/2014
    Posts: 232

    Re: Sticking Starter Relay, Starter Doesn't stop

    So which fender mount starter solenoid did you buy? There is a lot of cheap chinese crap on the market. If you didn't buy a Motorcraft, Standard Motor Products or Echlin you got ccc.

     

    9/11/2019 10:34 PM  #7

    Toploader
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    Registered: 4/15/2013
    Posts: 1,640

    Re: Sticking Starter Relay, Starter Doesn't stop

    MS wrote:

    A discharged battery will cause cranking amps going through the starter solenoid to cause the solenoid contacts to weld together. Sometimes the solenoids are just crappy and the contacts hang up
    On their own. A 3/4” combination wrench, used as a percussion device, can sometimes be used to whack the solenoid and make it let loose.

    Replace solenoid and make sure all wires are properly tightened. Charge the battery before starting if suspect.

    I think I had a crappy solenoid and replaced it. Going by memory, I think I went through two in order to get the issue sorted out.
    My faith in reproduction parts is pretty low these days . I recently fitted whole new turn signal assembly to find it had a short. I had to shell out the doe rae me for another one and even that is borderline acceptable.
     

    1964-1/2 D Code Coupe - 289 V8, 4 Speed Toploader, 3.00 ratio rear, Autolite 4100 Carb, 15" tires, Pertronix ignition
     

     

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