juarez

Interesting problem thats just popped up in the last 3-4 weeks..

Sometimes when I turn the key, the car does NOTHING... Put it into reverse, then back into P, and it turns over and runs

Other times, it turns over then you get a slight crunch (as if you were turning the key with the engine already running)...

I presume this is the starter solenoid.. any suggestions on how to fix? or should I just be getting a new one / 2nd hand from wreckers?

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TQE, SWB, ATPS, Worst of the E-series.. and I wouldn't have it any other way

TIKFD6

May be the Ring gear, mine meshed sometimes, in my EA S, and sometimes it just spun.

STROKEXD

Does your car run a relay in the starter circuit? Most Fords that don't have one factory installed eventually get volt drop that will cause the first part of your symptoms - ie starter does nothing. Very easy to fit a relay in line to your starter circuit if it hasn't got one already.

If it has already got a relay, then the solenoid probably on it's way out and time for a reco starter.

Seems to me the other aspect of your problem - ie the starter crunch could be another issue entiley, as Kerry said, a ring gear problem.

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mongrelEB

First i'd be inclined to look at the neutral switch, as you say fiddling with the gear lever fixes it.
Try tightening the shift linkage up a bit, it's actually a fairly common problem on the EA/EB falcons; as they get a bit older and things start to wear.
If not that then possibly as the others have suggested it might be a starter motor issue.

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Pacemaker headers + 2.5" exhaust
EF Fairmont interior
MP3 player
Lowered King springs
5 speed manual
EF motor

Newest mod: EF Ghia wiring loom and dash