Questions and Answers

Ford Galaxy Starter Q. I'm going over the autorepair site (great site, by the way). I'm trying to find out how to short the solenoid in my 1966 Ford Galaxy to check to see if it is bad. When I turn over the key, the engine will sometimes engage, but then "whirrrrrs" down before the engine catches and starts.

Doesn't happen all the time, but is getting worse. If I'm lucky, the engine catches quick before the starter has a chance to disengage.

I know it could be the starter or the solenoid. I know you can short the solenoid to check it (see if the starter goes and keeps going). But I'm not sure what two terminals on the solenoid to short out.

Thanks,
Mark

A. The starter solenoid is on the fender well next to the battery. If you jump from the battery positive terminal to the large lug opposite side of the battery, the starter will engage. You'll need a very heavy jumper wire, the starter pulls a lot of current.

But the cause of the problem is the bendix drive inside the starter. It is releasing too soon. Basically it is worn out and you either need to replace the bendix or just replace the whole starter.

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