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1997 7.4L Merc won't crank

S

swrenshaw

New member
I have a 454 that left me stranded last weekend. When it was time to leave I went to crank it and all I got was a repetitive clinking noise. The battery is new and fully charged, I removed the starter and it tested OK at the repair shop, and I replaced the solenoid. When I got everything reconnected I got the same repetitive clicking noise. I dropped the starter out (while still connected) and bumped the ignition and I heard the solenoid click but the starter didn't turn on. All the wires are connected correctly and firmly and there is no corrosion on the wires. Do you guys have any suggestions? Thanks.
 
the replaced solenoid the slave solenoid?

Best thing to do is get out the test light and follow the START circuit from the KEY back. if you are sure the starter is fine, the problem has got to be (electrically) between it and the key.
 
or the drive frozen or motor hydrolocked . Do what mark said make sure the starter is good. If good then jump the slav, still clicks, jump the starter still, still clicks remove the plugs, and try it. Look for water shooting out the plug holes if it turns.

If it still doesn't turn by jumping the starter and no plugs in it maybe the drive froze.
 
It was the slave solenoid that I replaced. Is it possible the new one was bad too? I don't think the drive is frozen or that it's hydrolocked because I can't get the starter to spin after I unbolt it from its mount. The guy who tested the starter is reputable and told me it was working just fine. I'll use a test light to trace it back. Thanks guys.
 
Turned out it was a bad connection with the positive battery cable. Once I pulled down the sheath I noticed it arcing and a few of the wires were broken. I jumped it from the battery to the starter and it fired right up. New cables tomorrow and I'll be back in business.
 
when you install them, cover them with "liquid neoprene" - it will help preserve the integrity of the electrical connection.
 
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