howdy,

i need some advice, I'm a bit stumped:
when I insert the key in the ignition and turn the key, sometimes the truck will turnover and start , other times i just a hear a clicking sound under the hood. I usually just keep turning the key back and forward until it turns over. I thought it could be an electrical contact thing in the starter. What do you think?

thanx

 

I would go over all of the electric contacts in the starting process from battery to starter. Then maybe look at the ignition switch

 

Great advice on checking everything,if your truck has never had a starter,then I would bet it is the starter contacts,now I would get on it fast,cause it can hang in the start mode and will ruin a few things,as the fuel solenoid,relay,starter,flywheel and such,good over size starter contacts can be found at www.fostertruck.com, while you are in the starter order a new plunger,and also while starter is off change out the fuel lines above starter if you have never done it,it is easier with starter removed, he also has them and they too better than just your regular fuel line from the local parts house,,as your truck is old enough to warrant that they rot from all the heat and are a problem on these trucks, Goodluck Rick

 

If it was me I would look at the ignition switch in the steering column. The switch assembly leaves alot to be desired, as far as reliability. I put one in my truck and 3 in our 94 duster. A no start, slow start (click,click), erractic A/C-heater blower operation and burning wire smell smoke from column are some of the problems I had when switch went bad. Heavy key chains speed up the wear rate. Bought a new switch at NAPA for $32 bucks in July 03. FWIW

 

KANDGO hit the nail on the head. Mine hung up one day, and I think that is what ruined my relay.

fix this as soon as possible. Its very easy to do.

1. drop the starter
2. pull solenoid apart.
3. change out contacts

 

Ditto what Kandgo said.

 

First thing to check is the ground strap if it is at all loose it can cause the same effect. then as others have mentioned go through the electrical system. is the charge indicator showing any fluxtuation in the output, sometimes this can give a clue to an electical problem.

 

Ditto on the starter contacts. Mine was doing the same thing. Just changed the solenoid contacts two days ago. Quick fix. Cheap price. Tools needed were 10mm box end, 8mm box end, 15mm box end, 10mm 12 point socket, couple extensions and a good tight ratchet. No problems taking it out or anything with the exception of the top bolt. Mine was VERY tight and caused me to "speak" to it several times.

Ed