I need help, I have a 1990 E350 with a 7.3 diesel. Recently the starter quit (was cranking fine then after about 10 seconds started realy straining to turn engine) I pulled the starter and dismantled it. The brushes from the fields were quite worn and one was completly unwired. I got a new set of brushes (all 4) and wired them in and put the starter back in. When I turned the key it just went click and the starter made a grinding type sound. I pulled the starter again (it was quite hot to the touch) and decided on a replacement. I put the replacement in and still nothing. I checked all the wires and found one bad connection at the solinoid and replaced it. This truck has had start problems since I got it, the previous owner did lots of rewiring (not very well though). Could the relay be shot and does anyone know for sure which wire goes where on the relay as these had all been replaced by him as was evident by the amount of electrical tape and twisted wires.
Thanks for any help as I need the truck for business in a couple days or else I will have to rent a cube van for my haul.


Mooner

 

did you replace the silonoid on top of the starter? This may be a cause also, on the right inner fender is a start silonoid, all the wires on except the start feed should be on the battery side. Using a manule starter switch you should be able to jump the starter relay to see if it cranks. I have also seen problems with the battery terminals, on mine I went to the local welding supply and got copper lugs, using battery terminals, contected it to them, never had a starter problem since.

Dave