I don't know if it got water in it from driving 500 miles in rain and slush snow then temps dropped,etc. or it's getting old. 105 k now. Tapping at it it seemed to start it.
Funny thing is it started fine this morning at 4:30 am with temps at -14. Went to work and at 10:30 am took a break to go out and it wouldn't start. Lights came on etc. but when I turned the key to engage the starter it did nothing. I bought 2 new batteries and that didn't change anything. Tapping seemed to bring it to life.
Now what to do..someone said if the starter got water in it it will never dry out.

 

Personally for the cost of replacement I'd do it before you'r stranded somewhere. If banging on it gets it to work, that pretty much tells you it's on its way out.

 

sounds like it has a flat spot on the armature.


Time to replace.

 

Anyone know how to get it out? I think it's thru the wheel wheel.

 

Sounds more like the bushings in the starter are worn allowing the armature to drag against the windings. Not sure if they sell bushing anymore as they did years ago to fix this problem. Also suspect the brushes are worn also. Not sure about late model starters but older ones the brushes were soldered in and you needed a high heat iron to change them.

Best to buy a lifetime warranted starter.

 

This is the procedure listed in the 2015 Ford Service DVD...not very informative.....but it did have a short video of a tech reaching in over the frame rail with the inner panel removed to lift out and insert the new starter.


WARNING: Always disconnect the battery ground cable at the battery before disconnecting the starter motor battery terminal lead. If a tool is shorted at the starter motor battery terminal, the tool can quickly heat enough to cause a skin burn. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious personal injury.

NOTE: A protective cap or boot is provided over the battery input terminal on all vehicle lines and must be installed after repairing.

NOTE: Install the 3 starter motor bolts finger tight. Tighten the top starter motor bolt, then tighten the 2 remaining starter motor bolts.

NOTE: Remove the RH fender splash shield. For additional Information, refer to Section 501-02 .

NOTE: If equipped, disconnect the block heater cord.

Refer to the procedures and/or exploded views in this section for any Warnings, Notices, Notes, Materials, Specifications, and Special Tools. Items in the exploded views may not be listed in order of removal.

 

Thanks Larry.... I looked and I'm not sure how the wheel well cover comes out. I see one bolt on the frame.

My 02 7.3 spoiled me...190K and not one issue. Starter or whatever.. This one with 104k had a/c evaporator go,Turbo,now this all within a few months.

 

Here is the procedure for 2015....should be same for 2011 or very similar


Fender Splash Shield
Removal and Installation

Remove the wheel and tire. For additional information, refer to Section 204-04 .

Release the wire retainers from the fender splash shield.

Remove the 2 lower front splash shield bolts. To install, tighten to 9 Nm (80 lb-in).

Disconnect the rear pin-type retainer for the lower front fender bolt cover from the front fender splash shield.

Remove the front fender splash shield bolts from the wheel lip.

Remove the 3 inner fender splash shield bolts. To install, tighten to 9 Nm (80 lb-in).

For the LH side, partially lower the fender splash shield and disconnect the 2 air deflector pin-type retainers.

Remove the fender splash shield.

To install, reverse the removal procedure.

 

Thanks....I just talked to one guy who said he couldn't get it out...took it to Ford...$700 to change it. Maybe he didn't know to go thru the wheel splash process. Scary..
Seems not many need starters for this yet. My local Auto Parts store couldn't get them at all yet. I'll keep trying to find one and or any tricks to getting it out.

 

try here:
AutoNation Ford White Bear Lake | Parts & Accessories


Was Tousely Ford.

 

as stated on the other forum.....

The very short video on the 2015 Ford Service DVD shows it coming out with no issues....the tech lifted it out and eased the new one in with nothing shown in the way to work or wiggle it around...he reached in over the frame rail with the splash shield removed...

Advance Auto has a starter with lifetime warranty for 136 plus 35 core. If you order it online to pick up in store, you might can get it with 15% off they are offering...

 

Napa online shows them available.# RAY 2449292 $129.00 + $49.50 core. Mark

 

Mine did that in November after parking indoors heated for a week (first time the truck has parked indoors) and then out to -30C. Had to hammer it for 2 days. It has been fine since. Truck has stayed outdoors since then.

The starter if fairly cheap and readily available so mine will stay in there until it is done altogether.

Good luck

 

The problem with that is that the starter decides when and where to be done. Murphys law says that it will be at the most inoportune time and place.

 

Buy one and carry it along is an option.