Starter/Solenoid problem

[worseforwhere]

hi...just replaced the valve gaskets yesterday and forgot to unplug the battery while doing it (damn bud light to hell). Anyways when everything got put back together there's a grinding noise coming from the starter area. My question is can you replace just the solenoid on it or not....i havent even looked yet...gotta get a floor jack from my buddy's. Is there anything else i could check while waiting...like the starter relay or any fuse?? (oh yea the radio wont come on either). Thanks for any input guys...

[CREWZIN]

Welcome to the forum. Why do you think replacing replacing the solenoid will cure the noise? Here's something form in internet search......

What if there is a grinding sound? This could indicate a flywheel problem, which is totally different. It could also mean that something has broken off the starter and is grinding into it. This could also indicate something wrong with the flywheel or inspection plate. In my most recent problem, there was a horrible grind and pop. Something had jammed my inspection plate into the flywheel, stopping it from turning. In turn, this had snapped the nose off the starter. After pulling the starter, check it for damage that could lead to a more specific diagnosis.

As far as your radio. You didn't say what year your PT was so can't tell you exactly where the fuse is so check your owners manual.

[worseforwhere]

i thought it was a solenoid problem because the starter seemed to work fine...when i used a screwdriver to jump the connection on the solenoid, the starter made the soft hum of a working starter. Turns out it was neither the solenoid or a fuse...somehow i discharged ALL of the battery while i was working on it....(mustve grounded a stray wire and zapped it to the frame or whatnot). Jumped it right off and the problem went away. Wish i thought of that before jumping to conclusions and thinking the worst was wrong.......no more drinking before projects anymore for me...

[CREWZIN]

Originally Posted by worseforwhere

...no more drinking before projects anymore for me...

I'll drink to that.

[Hooligan]

I agree with Crewzin !!!

[bobs turbo pt]

"no more drinking before projects anymore for me"

what no more fun !! lol