The fuel shutoff solenoid is actually two solenoids in one. One coil is very strong to pull the linkage open when you hit the starter to let fuel flow. This first coil produces lots of heat and is intended for short use. The second coil is smaller and has just enough power to hold the solenoid open for running. It does not build up heat like the stronger coil.

The stronger coil is wired in with the starter so when you hit the starter the fuel solenoid opens and the engine starts. When you let the key return to the run position only the second smaller coil is needed to hold the solenoid open.

When the worn starter contacts hang and stick closed the stronger first coil stays energized along with the starter. This causes heat buildup after a short time and can actually catch fire if the battery isn't disconnected quickly.

 

is there a way to wire it up so just the littel coil works not the big one

 

no. What part of replace your starter contacts is not understandable to you? Its an easy job

That or you can install a manual shutoff

 

The small coil isn't strong enough to pull the coil in. You could do what you suggest if you want to pop your hood and manually pull the coil in by hand every time you want to start the truck. Other option would be to wire in a switch to the pull in wire, and turn it off once your trucks running. At this point, you've done almost as much work as changing the starter contacts.

 

just run you some high quality cabile that you can push and pull to turn the fuel on and off i got mine done at a shop and it cost me 50 bucks and fixed the problem for good

 

thats what i have now and works great but if it was an easy fix i was going to go ahead and do it

 

well check those two relays also that I was talking about above the solenoid that are pretty big i took mine in got them tested and they were blow and i was told that's what caused it on my truck

 

Is the selective hearing turning off Dr. Evil? He's right dude, its the starter contacts. I had it happen on my 97... But on mine it blew the fuse for the ECM, Gauges, and SOS. Had to tie it up with a piece of wire to get it home and fix it.