1982 Ford F800

[Anonymous-0]

I cannot get the starter to engage, took out starter and had it tested, it is O.K., put new batteries in, cleaned corrosion on wires etc. Truck has sat for 3.5 years without being started but still no turning over. Have gauges etc., but nothing when turning the key. What should I check for.

 

[cole in mo.]

check the starer selinoid on the fender, there should be 2 small wires between the battery cable, and the one going down to the starter, on the 2 small ones, one is marked with an I, and other with an S. check to make sure you have juice to the one marked S when you turn the key to start. The wires could've gotten changed around, also you can jump from the battery side to the starter side with 2 screw drivers and if the engine turns over, the selinoid is bad.

 

[Anonymous-0]

Hi:

The real question is what does "the starter doe not engage" really mean. When you turn the key what do you hear? Any clicks? Any hiss/pop? Essentially when you turn the key, power is applied on the solenoid which joins the battery wire to the starter wire. If all works well the starter spins.

So now you need to find out if the starter is seeing any power. As Cole mentioned in his post you can apply 12v to the S pin of the solenoid which will trigger the solenoid without the key being used. A second test is to use a jumper wire from the battery wire to the starter wire which bypasses the ignition key and the solenoid. You could also use a multimeter to test for power at the starter/solenoid wire when someone turn the key.

Trust that helps
PaMnd

 

[Anonymous-0]

Thanks for both of the posts. I removed the starter and took it to a company that tests and rebuilds, the solenoid engaged and the starter functioned on the bench, but, back in the truck, when I turn the key I only get a "relay", near the "PTO" throttle area that clicks...I will try both posts, thanks so much.

 

[Kruse]

Go to your local auto parts store and get a $5 test light, the kind that has a needle-type point on it. With this light, start from the battery and work your way to the starter to determine what is getting 12V and what is not.
Also see what has voltage when another person tried to start it.