Palmetto_kid

if the relay is bad, can you still actuate the solenoid manually?

or will it not work at all?

doomgaze

If the relay is bad you can still use a choke cable or pop the hood and push the solenoid into place.

For some reason my truck was blowing relays like mad, but I could always get out and push the solenoid up into place and it'd stay.

Palmetto_kid

my 1997 is doing that. you have to get out and push it up so it will start.

i guess i need to get a new relay. i have never replaced it before.

is anyone using one of LarryB's relays?

berner

I think I read that you can use a $6 Radio Shack relay. Maybe try a search or somebody else might know for sure.

kandgo

I am using one from Larry,the radio shack will not last or should I say mine did not, the least amount of moisture and they go kaput! My opinion is one from Larrys, at his price I carry a spare and if I keep having trouble which I do not think I will , I too will fabricate a manual one,but as of now it works great,I also recommend to take the shut off apart and clean it and clean all connections and dielectric grease them,you might even have to repair your boot as I did with some silicone,anyhow hope this helps,his address is www.fostertruck.com goodluck, Rick

Got Smoke?

Gentlemen you are in luck.

If you would like to try a "FREE" solution to your relay problem.

I just posted some pictures on pavementsucks.com the other day on how to disassemble your relay and grind the contacts which is usually the problem associated with the relay.

I did this to my truck last year around this time and haven't had any more relay problems since.
My Pavementsucks Article Enjoy! ;D

doomgaze

I have also heard that the radio shack relays do not work well. Although I personally use just the plan old relays you get at NAPA.

Also, keep in mind that if you replace the relay and it goes out again, it could be your fuse in the blue wire connecting to the driver's side battery.

I wasted well over $1000 before someone told me to check that wire. It all could have been avoided by replacing a simple $0.40 fuse.

doomgaze

[quote author=kandgo link=board=16;threadid=22381;start=0#msg209367 date=1068760467]
I am using one from Larry,the radio shack will not last or should I say mine did not, the least amount of moisture and they go kaput! My opinion is one from Larrys, at his price I carry a spare and if I keep having trouble which I do not think I will , I too will fabricate a manual one,but as of now it works great,I also recommend to take the shut off apart and clean it and clean all connections and dielectric grease them,you might even have to repair your boot as I did with some silicone,anyhow hope this helps,his address is www.fostertruck.com goodluck, Rick
[/quote]

Wow. I wish I would have known about this site before! My Fuel Shutoff Solenoid cost me $500 from the dealer! And indirectly caused me to have to replace the starter (long story, don't ask) for another $300.

Great site! I'm bookmarking it now

kandgo

Sorry to hear your dealer woes! Sometime they can get you,I really appreciate this site as well as the others,I do believe between them and the great guys around that help,we can save all of us a lot of heartache!!!!!And MONEY!! Goodluck,Rick

al

where exactly is the relay?

Got Smoke?

[quote author=al link=board=16;threadid=22381;start=0#msg210406 date=1069048495]
where exactly is the relay?
[/quote]

looking at the motor from the front of the truck its 2-relays in on one mount just to the drivers side of the truck on the cowl.

Check out my link above to see what they look like.

radixr

Just a word of caution about the free relay fix. Although I did not grind my contacts, I did clean them thoroughly with a small wire brush. In less than two months, they were dirty enough again that the relay would not work. I asked my brother, who is an electrician, about cleaning/grinding contacts and he said it was not likely to be a "permanent" fix. :'(

You do not have to crack the case to get it off. Just slip small screwdriver-like implements between the case and the relay body to release the locking tabs.

al

I'm still having trouble finding the relays. (need a new glasses prescription maybe?). I do see 2 relays on the drivers side of the valve cover. One is smaller than the other. The other problem is that I can't trace the wires from the battery (to check on fusible link) because previous owner did homemade wiring and there's no color coded wire (???). Maybe he bypassed the fusible link and took it right out?

billg

Al the relay is located on the firewall above the valve covers on the drivers side. The solenoid is located on the driver side of the block about mid-way. As stated above if the soleniod is good you can turn the key to run and lift up on the plunger rod, it will stay up, and then start the truck.
I had the same thing happen to a 96. The relay cost about $47.00 + tax at NAPA auto store. If it is the soleniod it cost about $409.00 at the dealer. :'(
Good Luck

kandgo

Try www.fostertruck.com or phone#253 272 1444, Relays under $20 and solenoid under $200 goodluck Rick