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voltage draw from ford type starter solenoid ?
https://slantsix.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=66148
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Author:  Jase [ Thu Aug 26, 2021 6:58 pm ]
Post subject:  voltage draw from ford type starter solenoid ?

I've got 2 ford type starter solenoid's in the electrical system I am putting together. The other day I noticed that there was a decreasing voltage draw that starts at about 1.2 volts, and decreases to .83 volts, with nothing on..

To my completely uninformed mind, I can not understand how a starter solenoid would consume juice when it is not energized... and to the best of my knowledge they are the only components that are "alive" at this moment.

Any thoughts or perspective are welcome.

Author:  Badvert65 [ Fri Aug 27, 2021 4:59 am ]
Post subject:  Re: voltage draw from ford type starter solenoid ?

Would help to know from what points you were measuring the drop and how the solenoids were connected in the system.

Author:  Jase [ Fri Aug 27, 2021 2:41 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: voltage draw from ford type starter solenoid ?

Badvert65 wrote:
Would help to know from what points you were measuring the drop and how the solenoids were connected in the system.


I noticed the battery was at 12.5 volts where previously when installed it was at 12.65 volts a few days prior.

Pulled the ground cable off and measured between the negative post and negative battery clamp. observed initial 1.2 volt draw dropping slowly. Eventually got the idea to leave the battery connected for a while, and measure while removing the negative clamp. Got a steady .85 reading.

One starter solenoid is right at the battery (under the passenger seat in the dodge M37) Fuseable link connected to the far side, or key energized side of that solenoid to provide power when not cranking engine.

The next starter solenoid is at the firewall above the starter. It provides juice to the starter solenoid when cranking, and serves as a power distribution point.

measuring from the firewall solenoid, I got .5 Volts, did not find any draw at the alternator, and have not tested the starter yet. No other electrical components connected, as I disconnected the whole fuse block.

Author:  mpgmike [ Sun Aug 29, 2021 11:24 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: voltage draw from ford type starter solenoid ?

If you were to look into an Electrical Troubleshooting Guide type book, it would have you isolate the different circuits and monitor the effects. Sounds like you did a bunch of that. I'd recommend disconnecting the starter relay in question and retesting. That way you know for sure. However, knowing how the starter relay works, I find it questionable that it could be dropping voltage when not energized. If it is, it certainly is faulty; bleeding energy to ground.

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