Ford F53 1997 Pace Arrow 460 STARTER LOCATION

[1997_pace]

I take 2 trips a year in the pace arrow and it always runs fine, no problems. However it wont turn on anymore, it simply clicks and wont turn over. Had battery charged and tested, replaced starter solenoid and still just clicks. I am assuming the starter is dead but I cant seem to locate it. Can someone please direct me if possible.

[GypsyR]

At the bottom of the engine on the passenger side .
Looks like this.

The top round bit is your coach's OTHER starter solenoid. These are more prone to failure than the actual starter. Unfortunately local parts stores don't want to stock them at a reasonable price, they just want to sell the complete starter. But that's OK too.

I'd hate to add up how many times I've seen vehicles with "starter" issues when all the time it was just bad/loose/corroded battery cables or terminals. REALLY check those over first. It cost nothing but a little of your time.

[House Husband]

Under the dog house, left side front is the starter relay. Looks like the typical Ford starter relay that's been used for years. As mentioned, that relay is a known issue.
If you feel the need to remove the starter and solenoid, all you need is a ½" wrench for the two bolts that hold it on. Remove the starter and then remove the wires.
Don't buy one of the fancy aftermarket brands. The OEM design is as good as it gets.
My 1995 460 starter is still original at 180,000 miles.
The starter shown in the previous post is close but not identical to yours. You 2 bolts are about 180º apart.

Ignore the wiring to the coil. That's old information.





Richard

[153stars]

You could still have issue with main on starter bendix solenoid or wiring. I've replaced many just starter bendix solenoids.
An old trick if starter is out to use a set of jumper cables and just spin starter motor alone several times for a minute... let cool repeat, to clean commutator and reseat brushes. You have to hold to floor/ground with foot and it scare you every time lol.

[twinboat]

It's more likely that your ground cable has failed.

Get some jumper cables and connect to the battery negetive and the engine block to see if that gets it cranking.

[TXiceman]

First place to check is the grounds from the battery to the chassis. Take it apart, clean and reattach.

Ken

[1997_pace]

I doubt its a ground, the ground would have to be seriously corroded or loose to not start. I get a click but no turn. I replaced the solenoid that is in the power box behind the mother board. I will check the solenoid under the dog house. Thank you guys so much for your knowledge, I will post an update tonight.

[GypsyR]

Originally Posted by 1997_pace

I get a click but no turn.

If I had to compile a top ten list of the symptoms of loose/corroded battery terminals, what you said there would be the top three. In BIG capital bold letters. With exclamation marks. In red. Fireworks, children waving flags, whatever it takes to convince a person to remove their battery terminals, clean them , and reinstall them securely. Just looking at them doesn't count for anything. I couldn't say how many "starter" problems I've fixed over the years doing just that but it's been a LOT.

[1997_pace]

first thing I did was remove battery and charge it. I then sanded and cleaned the terminals and connections. Still all I got was a click on a fully charged battery. I did replace the solenoid in the fuse box panel now I have to change the solenoid under the dog house.