Have been having issues with my truck starting for the last few months. Happens cold or hot. When I try to crank all I hear is a buzz and the starter trying to insert, but it doesn't. Just a tap. Has been happening the last few months here and there. Have always started after 1-2 minutes of trying. Yesterday went for a 60 mile drive and car didn't start after I parked. Tried for a good hour and decided to leave it and it fix the next day. In the morning, the trunk started on the first crank. Drove home and parked. Tried to restart and nothing. Went to work and came back at night and nothing. I was just going to take out starter and have it tested and replace if needed. Also, will replace the starter solenoid. Have replace both of these the last 2 years with parts from Napa Auto Parts. Have a lifetime warranty for starter. How often do these parts need to be replaced? Any other ideas of what my issues are or what else should I replace for preventative maintenance?

 

Just had the starter tested good. I think it's still the starter, but going to replace the starter solenoid. Sounds exactly like this guys truck before he fixed it.

 

Got the truck back home with old starter. Started 10-15 times and started right away. Still don't know why truck at times don't start. Was looking around and noticed someone replaced their starter with a high torque one. Link below. Only $157, sounds cheap. There are one for $300-700 but the expensive one don't mention anything about added performance. Has anyone tried the starter from the Ebay seller or can someone recommend one? Thx



NEW High Torque Starter Motor 00 01 02 03 Ford Excursion 7 3L Diesel 228000 8420 | eBay

 

There's some things I just won't buy off the internet. As for your problem, no. Starters should last a lot longer than 2 years. I would guess either you are getting crappy starters, or you have an issue with the electric. That could be the starter solenoid, battery cables, ground connections, and/or the cable going on the starter, or a combination of those problems. Weak batteries, bad, loose, dirty connections will shorten the life of the starter.

 

As mentioned above Grounds, Grounds, Grounds. With the negative ground system found in todays vehicles the grounds are very important. The older the vehicle the more likely the grounds are failing, exponentially so in the salt belt. There are several of them including the main primary negative cable from the battery and many secondary grounds that need to be cleaned and sealed with ignition sealer once cleaned.
The next time it does this get yourself a VOM (volt meter) see where the voltage loss is.
It could be the ignition switch or neutral safety switch....et al