Intermittent "dead" start...solonoid?

[Lftrn97]

Just bought an '89 with a 4.0 swapped from an 1997 (he said).  The installation looks clean and the truck runs great...WHEN IT STARTS.  After about 5-8 starts it suddenly is completely dead when the key is turned to crank it.  Accessory posiiton works and all panel lights come on witrh first click then when turned to the final position...nothing.  No click, no buzz.   But then after a time (overnight, two days etc.) it cranks fine and multiple times until it randomly is dead again.  This has happened about 3 times and the scenario is always the same.  Cranks after some period of sitting.  

 

I had a locksmith go through the ignition and he felt everything there was ok even after I pushed him on the actuator pin deal.  Besides looking ok, he thought it wouldn't ever crank if the pin were broken.  I'm wondering about the solonoid if somehow it gets stuck then releases after a time.  Or could the actuater pin be working intermittently?

 

Any other ideas?

[Lftrn97]

Need to add that's it 2wd automatic with the tilt wheel column.  And thany you for your thoughts.

[HOrnbrod]

Next time it won't start in PARK, shift to NEUTRAL and try it. If it cranks and starts the NSS (neutral safety switch) on the AW4 either needs cleaning or replacement.

[Lftrn97]

Thanks for the idea but I have tried it in Park, Neutral and with the steering column down and up.  When it goes dead it is dead, but I'll check the NSS anyway plus all the grounds.  Still wondering about the solonoid and whether it can get "hung up".

[HOrnbrod]

Try bypassing it temporarily at the firewall connector. It only takes a couple of minutes.   http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1018747

 

Do you have a lot of oil and grease on the starter from the oil filter adapter? Oil can get in there and gum up the starter motor brushes. Also try tapping the solenoid with a small hammer next time it's sticking - if that's what it is.

[Lftrn97]

Will do and report back

[Knucklehead97]

Mine did the same thing for about a year. A new starter fixed it right up. Mine is a stickshift, though. Also if your oil filter adapter is leaking and it's a Renix engine (87-90 4.0) then I sell the Orings needed to fix it, at a good price. Good luck with it, hope it turns out well!

 

Zach.

[gogmorgo]

I'm also going to push towards the NSS. Even if it's not the cause, taking it apart, cleaning, and re-sealing shouldn't take much time and will only make things better. There are a couple good write-ups around.

I also just had my MJ do something similar, but that was because my battery's negative post started trying to come out of the battery. Kind of a shame, really, cause the ten-year-old battery was still testing good, even after sitting outside dead and frozen solid all winter. But I doubt that's your problem.

[64 Cheyenne]

Make sure to check the start switch on the column.