Hi guys.

can't start my 93 7.3 idi.
i wait for the slow plugs then turn the key but nothing.
I have power, batteries are good and charged. Checked the fuse box.. all good.
The started doesn't spin or make any noise. tried to tap it with the hammer before and while a friend was turning the key.
Can a starter die like all at once? Solenoid maybe?
any suggestion is very much appreciated.

 

One easy test -- jump the solenoid on the passenger fender well, from the small terminal to the battery side large terminal. If it cranks, you've probably got a neutral or clutch switch issue. If not, then I'd try shorting the solenoid on the starter itself. If /that/ works, well, you know where your issue is.

 

yes a starter can just stop working. i have had it happen twice on the 88, and once on the 02.
starts fine, then 1/2 hour later need to call a tow truck to get it home to replace the starter.

 

If you are not hearing the relay on the fender click it is not the starter. When you turn the key
it sends power through the clutch or nuetralswitch and to the small red and blue wire on the relay. Then the relay makes contact between the two big terminals and sends power to the starter.

 

i do hear the clicking from the relay. plus it was changed not long ago.. it's brand new.
i'll try to jump the solenoid but more chances that is the starter i guess.
thanks for the help guys

 

While I'm not saying it is the problem(In this case it's probably the starter), most components have a "bathtub" shaped curve -- the /most/ likely times for a failure is when it is either brand new, or really old.
QA testing on the part of the manufacturer is supposed to solve the "immediate failure" problem, but it doesn't. When troubleshooting, you can never rule out a new part. Just troubleshoot as if you didn't know how old the part was, and go from there.

 

went back to the truck and it started right away. weird.
got a test light and multimeter. going to test solenoide, batteries, starter... hopefully i'll be able to find what's wrong.
thanks for the help fella

 

tested the solenoid, it gets power, tested the cable that comes from the ignition key it word fine.
how do i check the netrual/clutch switch again?

 

automatic or manual trans??

 

If you are getting power to the relay from the switch the clutch or nuetral switch is vood

 

the reason i ask is because if it is an automatic trans, the shifter may not be completely in park or neutral. if you bump it sometimes it will then start. or if it is a manual and the clutch pedal i wearing, the clutch interrupter switch may not close, and then when you step on the clutch a little more it will close letting the truck start.

 

But in either ofbthose xases the relay wont click.

 

actually, yes it will if it only made contact for a split second.
my 88 was notorious for doing just that before i switched it from manual to automatic.
a click and no start told me i had to let off the clutch and mash it back to the floor.