I just recently purchased a 1996 f250 Powerstroke and today i noticed that when i start it up, sparks shoot out from the starter... Im sorta new to this diesel truck thing so im not sure if that's normal. But im positive that on a gas engine, it's not normal. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
thanks!

 

Welcome to FTE. We're glad to have you aboard. I'll start by saying, NO, that's not normal. LOL I'd look at replacing it asap.

 

What a Shocking issue to be dealing with...


Welcome to FTE.

 

Sparks are hot pieces of metal.
You do not want pieces of metal shooting off your truck anywhere.


There has been a lot of discussion about replacement starters. Scroll down a bit and read up.

 

Welcome to FTE...I agree with the fellas ^^^^.I had one that did the same thing and I pulled it off and had it rebuilt.If you know a good starter shop you might want to have it rebuilt or buy one that they have rebuilt.
We are seeing alot of short lasting starters coming from the local parts houses.

 

Welcome to FTE

As others said, looks like you might have an issue there... Here are a couple threads that have some starter info.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...wing-down.html
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...e-starter.html

 

you all really should get off replacing starters. These imported Mexican rebuilds are junk. Have it rebuilt by a local shop instead.

You probably don't even need one though. Pull the cable off it and clean it down to bare shiny copper then put it back on tight. Also make sure the two solenoid screws on it are tight. Those two things are what usually make them spark.

 

I have a 96 7.3 and had some what the same problem. My solenoid came loose sparks everywhere! And come to find out after I pulled it off to buy a new one the old starter was a 13 tooth starter and it ate up my fly wheel. Don't get the 13 tooth, get the 10 tooth it's a no-brainer there. I don't know why the past owner did that.

 

Thanks so much for the help guys! I really appreciate it. i'll definitely pull the cable off it and get it cleaned.. if it doesn't work, i'll look into getting it replaced.
thanks again!

 

I had sparks shooting out of my starter before. There is a rubber plug that came out of the very bottom of my starter (that I wasn't a where of). I was on the beach and got caught by the tide, I had to roll through standing salt water and it splashed up all underneath and everywhere (I think drowned the starter). A few months later I started having starter problem. I got stuck at convenience store and would not start. I tapped on it with a hammer and man....sparks flew!
I would just cut through the chase and replace it.