Thread: Is my starter or solenoid broken???

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Hi Everyone, I've got a 392 hemi in my '32 Ford & I'm starting it with a screw driver by shorting out between the two bolts on the starter/solenoid. What is it that's broken? & how long can I do this without it not starting anymore? Thanks a bunch! Bill

we push started my 392 hemis--( seee my gallery)

stock starter???

if you are jumping across the two big studs it could be solenoid, solenoid switch, if auto trans--nuetral start switch
bad ground any where
bad ignition switch or starter button

Does it click???

Thanks Jerry, It's a hi-torque mini starter from Hemi Hot Heads p/n 29185. No it doesn't click when I turn the key {no starter botton}. I shorted across the wires at the back of the ignition switch & it didn't do anything so not the switch. So it's either the solenoid, solenoid switch, nuetral start switch {yes auto trans}, or bad ground? thanks again, Bill

To my thinking, if you are able to crank it by shorting out across the two bolts on the solenoid, that is telling me the starter and solenoid are fine. What is probably happening is that no voltage is coming to that small stud when you turn your key to the start position. You are artificially supplying that voltage when you jump it that way.

Get one of the $ 5 test lights, and touch it to that small post while someone turns the key to start. I bet it doesn't light. Then backtrack and do the same thing on the backside of the ignition switch. I'm betting a bad ignition switch in the start position or a wire from that post on the switch to the post on the solenoid, or your neutral start switch. Now that I reread your post I am thinking neutral start switch.

Don

Thanks Don, I'll check the neutral start switch & if that's not it, put a light on the small stud & ignition switch. Thanks again, Bill

Probably just an incompatibility issue----The Ford is rejecting the MoPar transplant!!!!!!

Originally Posted by Dave Severson

Probably just an incompatibility issue----The Ford is rejecting the MoPar transplant!!!!!!

LOL ...... good one Dave

Wouldn't that be a FOPAR.....

Originally Posted by gherkin350

Wouldn't that be a FOPAR.....

No it would be a MoFord.

Don