starter solenoid?

[samiam]

As i'm troubleshooting some starting and battery issues i noticed loose nuts on this device. by the way, at the time my batteries had nearly died (in 48 hours of the truck sitting). the truck wouldn't start. it was doing the clicking sounds, and then silence. anyhow, i noticed loose nuts on the two larger bolts sticking out each side. the positive battery cable was split in the Y-end, and attached to each of the larger bolts. as i tightened the bolts with a wrench i thought my thumb was tingling as it touched the device. then suddenly the truck started cranking. i figured it had some internal short. i bought a new starter solenoid for $12 ( looks much like a glow plug relay). i charged my batteries and the truck started fine. i wonder if this shocking relay was slowly draining my batteries. by the way, both of the larger bolts were completely loose in the housing. is this thing really a starter relay for a 99 7.3L?

[samiam]

anyone have any comments, input, smart remarks? =)
i'm sure this thing was the culprit of my slow battery drain. i just returned from a weeklong trip and my truck sat at the airport. no battery loss at all this time.

[vitalidle]

Sounds like the relay was stuck. Yeah that was your drain more then likely.

[strokin_early_99]

Originally Posted by vitalidle

Sounds like the relay was stuck. Yeah that was your drain more then likely.

This would be my guess as well.

[samiam]

thanks guys. i was wondering if the solenoid in the picture above was a true starter solenoid intended for use in my truck. maybe it was just an old oem design? i went to a few parts stores and found nothing other than a solenoid/relay which looked much like a GPR.

[southmike]

doesn't quite look like my OEM. or my aftermarket replacement.
was it on the passenger side fender wall?
does it have little ford part numbers on it. seems like mine was black and the replacement brown ...but defiantly not Grey.

mine went out and replaced it with a new one from advance..they look like the glow plug.
but the one from advance also cross reference Mitsubishi's (hopefully a fuso, but doubt it) course I also bought two dead useless coolant sensors from there too..so I think i will stick with OEM.

after i installed my remote start/ car alarm..I notice my battery dies pretty easy
now I have to go get them load tested , cause i either have a drain, or old batteries.
also added an amp but the amp had a relay line to turn it on, but just in case I put it on a switch to kill the power to that to..