pwbabcock

Hello all. I have been lurking on this site for some time now, and have run into a snag with my 67 restomod project. I did a full rebuild of my 289 and replaced the distributor/solenoid with an HEI unit. It has a one wire 12v connection. I ran a new wire to the ignition switch and terminated it to where the pink wire (old resistor wire per the wiring diagram) is landed. When I tried to start it up it continued to crank (starter still activated) after I turned the ignition back to off. I had to disconnect the battery (which the battery cables were very warm as well). Has anyone installed one of these and can tell me how you wired it? I am also curious why the starter solenoid would have stayed engaged. Thanks in advance for any help.

Diputado

That same thing has happened to me twice over the past few months. I have a '65 289 with a Duraspark II ignition. First time, I thought it was the cheap Autozone solenoid (Chinese made). Replaced it with a genuine Motorcraft unit and it happened again a couple months later. Checked with a local auto electric shop and was told a poorly-grounded solenoid would do that. Tightened up all bolts,etc. on solenoid and it hasn't happened again...yet!

pwbabcock

Thanks for the help, I will check the grounding in the morning and report back.

dawson1112

Definatly need to clean the surface that the solenoid bolts too , scrape or grind to bare metal to ensure a good clean ground.

pwbabcock

I have taken the solenoid off and ground down to bare metal the contacts points and made sure all bolts are tight. I tested continuity and it registers continuity from the top of the solenoid to the ground lug on the manifold. Could the new solenoid be bad?

pwbabcock

Update, when I remove the brown wire from the solenoid (wire going to ignition switch) it tries to start on its own. no key in the ignition.

pwbabcock

Thanks everyone for the help. I got it fixed. Bad brand new solenoid! I went and got another one and it works fine now.

Cobra6

A lot of the new solenoids are junk - I have had a few bad ones and quit dealing with the $10 junk I got at Autozone. They do have a "Gold" solenoid now with a 3 year warranty that is about $20.
I have a friend that tried one of these and it has been OK.