1986 Starter Sylenoid Parts Search

[thejum57]

Drove the truck home from work, stopped on the way went to start it ...nothing. AAA comes tries to jump it...nothing, then the guy gets a screwdriver and starts tapping on the sylenoid and it fires right up. He said I probably need a new one.The NAPA guy said he  shows a Ford one for $25.00. Can they be interchanged? I know if I buy it and it doesn't work it's still mine, places won't take back electrical parts. Advance has the right one (I guess) for $100.00 and won't get it until Friday. By the way it has the 2.5l gas engine.

[jimoshel]

I've had good luck just taking the old apart and cleaning the contacts.

[87Warrior]

Does your truck have a remote solenoid (Ford style) or is it integrated (typical)? The '86 uses either one depending on what you already have.

[thejum57]

It's mounted on the inner fender near the battery, has about 5 leads hooked up to a post and 3 push pull connectors. Got home today (drove the other vehicle to work) it started right up. Pulled off all the leads carefully (didn't mix them up) cleaned them and  ...nothing. Charged it a bit, still nothing. I need to get a new one. Don't want to pay $100.00 though! I'll get a pic up ASAP.

[87Warrior]

Sounds like you can use the cheaper Ford remote style.

[thejum57]

Having a real hard time trying to transfer pics. Does the Ford remote style have one big lug, and 3 "push-pull" l connectors? And if so, have you used one? Part store's and or part numbers? Thanks for your help, but I've searched local parts stores and got the same answer...maybe Ford part? Also, do these have to be "stock" parts or can you substitute with an "it fits/it works part:? Or I guess I'm also asking...is a relay , a relay ? 

Thanks,

Jim

[87Warrior]

You are trying to replace the starter solenoid. It is probably referred to as a Motorcraft part.

 

When I bought my 86 2.5, it was missing most of the starter electrical system. When I went shopping for parts I was dumbfounded when I came across the Motorcraft stuff so I tried to familiarize myself with it. Lucky for me, I found out my truck utilized the typical solenoid on starter set up, so I have never actually worked with the Motorcraft style.

[yxmj]

If it is a remote (mounted on the fender) you can probably replace it with any remote solenoid, do not limit yourself to just Ford. Other manufacturers (Chevy)... (as well as heavy equipment) use the same set up. just make sure you have the same # of terminals

 

 

EDIT

 

Here is a link.....it is a Chevy unit

 

additional part #'s

 

http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/shop_parts/starter_solenoid/jeep/comanche.html

[carnuck]

The way to tell the styles apart. Carbed ones used the Ford style starter and fender mounted solenoid. When they went to TBI they moved the ring gear 3/8" (actually, 10 mm) and went to the solenoid on starter.

[thejum57]

It seems that the AAA guy got it wrong. I needed a starter relay. Replaced that, still no go. Got a new battery, old one was 5 years old, started right up!!!!