On battery hookup truck cranks no key in?

[lance1586]

Title about sums it up. Ive had this project truck since Feb 21 but only drove it arond the block and on/ off the trailer. I finally got around to doing some things on it and installed a summit carb and finished up with a lokar style cable. got a new battery for it and went to hook it up and start it yesterday. Upon attaching the negative terminal it started to crank. Truck is a manual and was in reverse on a chock. No key in ignition off. I crawled under there this am and nothing it touching anything on the starter. I havent messed with anything electrical or on the ignition switch. I am totally cluelsss as to where to start. Put the key in and in neutral and it still wants to arc and start key off? This is the truck I don't have any history on the truck bought it from a kid in central NE kids Dad handles the sale. It does have three good ground two to the body on to the frame that have been added.

 

[lance1586]

Just need some guidance and direction. I’m not a kid truck was new when I graduated hs. I work on my own stuff but this is a first and don’t know where to start.

 

[RamDiver]

Deleted post, as I wasn't awake.

 

[RamDiver]

OK, I'm a wee bit more awake now.

Get yourself a Hanes manual or equivalent. Locate the 12 volt (start) line that comes from the ignition switch at the starter solenoid. Or, just locate the starter solenoid and disconnect the wire on terminal S.

It should be located close to the starter or you can always trace the large starter wire back to the solenoid if required.

https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/c/masterpro-ignition/alternators---starters/starter-solenoid/bdc3bda9b2c0/masterpro-ignition-300-amp-4-terminal-starter-solenoid/mpi0/2ss4/v/a/1771/automotive-truck-1985-dodge-d150-pickup-rwd?pos=0

In the picture above, the smaller terminal is the switched 12 volts from the ignition key switch, terminal S for Solenoid. The two larger terminals are connected between the battery and the starter on large wire to accommodate the starter motor current. The above starter solenoid is rated at 300A.

So, with the switched 12 volt start line disconnected from the starter solenoid (terminal S), reconnect the battery. If it cranks, your starter solenoid has expired. Easy peezey.

The link above is just for demonstration purposes. You can change the vehicle parameters as required to locate the correct starter solenoid for your truck.

.

 

[lance1586]

Thank you sir that’s what I was looking for much appreciated! Kinda freaked me out when it did that Lol! Glad it was chocked

 

[lance1586]

Think I’ll tap on the solenoid too bc goal right now is to just get it started.

 

[RamDiver]

Think I’ll tap on the solenoid too bc goal right now is to just get it started.

You're most welcome.

And holy crap, you were lucky to have the wheels chocked.

I'm guessing the release spring has disintegrated but you never know, it may just be jammed.

My '87 Toyota had a messed up starter solenoid that intermittently would click once or just do nothing. I kept a small hammer in the truck and a slight tap fixed that every time until I finally replaced the internal contacts on the solenoid assembly.

.

 

[lance1586]

Yep and it was parked in my driveway which slopes down it it would’ve popped it would have not been pretty. Luckily it doesn’t have much gas in it and the carb wasn’t primed.

 

[RamDiver]

Yep and it was parked in my driveway which slopes down it it would’ve popped it would have not been pretty. Luckily it doesn’t have much gas in it and the carb wasn’t primed.

I was more concerned with the immediate threat of you getting mowed down by your runaway truck.

Then, next would be the innocent neighbors with you running behind the truck, if you weren't already incapacitated.

I'd say you must store a few horseshoes where the sun doesn't shine.

So any updates yet Mr. Lucky?

.

 

[lance1586]

Nah, been cold and rainy I work swings drive a Crown Vic as a daily that needs a fuel pump. . I’ll get back when I find something out hopefully tomorrow if the weather cooperates. I get more princess like about what I’m willing to work out in the older I get