Starter relay stories

[Morania]

My 1987 has a wonky starter relay. I think. Here's why I think.
Many months ago, I had a day where the starter remained engaged even after the key was released after starting the truck. That is a very intermittent problem. I didn't worry much about it.
About a couple of weeks ago, there was the usual click coming from the driver side kick panel that I always here when I turn off the truck, but then it was followed by a series of clicks that sounded like a relay engaging and releasing over and over. ALso the radio had static interference in ACCESORIES but not in RUN, as far as key positions go.
A day after the clicking symptoms, the truck wouldn't start, or rather, the starter wouldn't engage. I walked up to the little mini mart to see if they had fuses and when I came back the truck started.
It has started fine ever since and doesn't click now when I turn it off.
However, I think I need to find my starter relay and replace it, for this could happen again.
Where do I find it? Now that the clicking symptom is gone, I can pinpoint where I need to start digging.

 

[Ulfr]

Hmm... I assume you have 22R or 22RE.
IIRC, the starter "relay" is on the starter it self.
Most likely, the bendix is gettin' stuck and needs replacement or just cleaning.
Many starter failure are caused by dirt.
You should take the starter out and take a look at it, perhaps cleaning is all you need. IIRC it's only two bolts that hold the starter and then the +B wire and one more to ignite the starter.

If the starter is stuck "on" i.e. the bendix wont release, you could cause severe damage to your batteries.

I would at least start checkin' out the starter. I'm not sure if there's some other relay for it, but you should find an FSM or other repair manual and take a look at the wiring diagram for more information.

IIRC there were manuals on TTORA.com

 

[Morania]

I probably need to replace the starter. It looks like a right pain in the ass. Starter is deep under the intake manifold. Any step-by-step files out there? I love to learn from others' mistakes.

 

[gman007]

starter replacement

It's a simple job,remove right tire and remove fender well plate.Remove neg. terminal at battery,remove wire to starter and snap in plug terminal on starter and remove bolts and replace. My 86 has a starter relay under the hood on the right front fender, battery side that clicks when I doesn't start.If you look carefully it says starter relay in small print.