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Old Dec 26, 2011 | 07:38 AM
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Question strange starting sometimes

I had about 3 times a strange starting issue that i cant figure out. The first time it was like 15 degrees out went out to start the truck it turned over but then stopped before it started and almost sound like a little backfire in the motor, and you hear the starter wind down. I cycled the plugs about 5 times then it kicked over fine. I thought maybe bad glow plugs etc. Then 2 days ago at the mall it did the same thing, however it was almost 50 out so that ruled out the glow plug issue. I did replace the CPS about 1 month ago. I put in the newest one that was from the recall. My old black one finally bit the dust. I'm not sure if that would do it or not. I have to cycle it about 4-5 times then it starts when this happens. I was think it may be a starter problem? i haven't a clue... thanks for any help Jeff
 
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Old Dec 26, 2011 | 08:19 AM
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I just went out and it did it again. Temp is 40, GPR light stays on just a few seconds. I am suspecting it may be the relay. I replaced it once already but with a advance auto part not motorcraft if it matters. I plan on checking the GPR. It turns over a few rotations then stops, did it 4 times, then the 5th time it started fine. After driving it starts back up fine, its only after it sits , thats why I suspect the GPR or the GP themselves.
 
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Old Dec 26, 2011 | 08:26 AM
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When it does this and you get it started how bad does it smoke ?
 
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Old Dec 27, 2011 | 08:11 AM
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It dosent smoke at all. I went to Napa ad got the GRP 109 relay . 24 bucks. Just incase. I already replaced it about 1 yr and a half ago so Im sure I would be needing a new one soon regardless. I just took a shot. I plan on ordering the Stancor. I just wanted to get it in while the weather was still 50 degrees. I have to wait and see. If I still have issues I will need to dig deeper. I just went by my instinct on this one so far. thanks Jeff
 
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Old Dec 27, 2011 | 05:01 PM
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The engine stops turning over when you are trying to start it ? I would be looking at the starter check for loose bolts, bad electrical connections , Pull the starter and have it checked, the glow plugs not working, shouldn't stop the engine from turning over .
 
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Old Dec 27, 2011 | 06:07 PM
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I also cleaned the Battery terminals. One battery was somewhat gunked up. so I cleaned them and re applied the nolox to the post. it does turn over better now. I will also check the connections like you siad. It could just be a combo of a couple of bad connections. thanks jeff
 
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Old Jan 30, 2012 | 07:57 AM
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update, I tested the truck with Auto Ingenuity (brother has it). Glow plugs test fine, injectors all fine. I have been getting this starting issue more often in the last few weeks. Seems like when its cold its the worse. Sometimes it dosent fully enguage. Sounds like the gears is not fully engaging the flywheel when its cold. After it runs for a while it starts fine. It sound to me like it is tighter when cold and doesn't fully expand to the flywheel but after it warms up it has no problem. It also does some grinding noise a couple of times as well. I have come to the conclusion it is the starter by what I have read on some other posts. So.. Im planning on getting a new one. Are the Remy ones at Advance auto any good? or should I go with a FORD re manufactured one? I Looked at the one on there now and it is a short motor 2 bolt starter. Looks like it was replaced once already but I don't know what brand it is. So any thoughts on what is the better starter would be helpful thanks Jeff
 
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Old Jan 30, 2012 | 08:41 AM
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After reading your first post I thought starter. I see you are now of the same opinion. Your symptoms describe a starter on its last leg.
 
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Old Jan 30, 2012 | 08:45 AM
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Thanks, Now I just need a direction to go. I cant seem to get a Part # from a dealer. They wont give it out. Seems most are re manufactured except for the advance auto (REMY) ones. I just don't want to get a junk one. thanks Jeff
 
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Old Jan 30, 2012 | 08:53 AM
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If your dealer won't give you a part number, stop dealing with them. The dealer here where I am will bend over backwards to help. They have given me part numbers over the phone, reverse looked up a part number to tell me what it was, etc. I have called them to ask what years trucks I should look for in the scrap yards for a part that would fit mine and they looked it up for me. That's the kind of dealer you should find.

The only thing they were not able to tell me whas the International equivalent part number. They said they didn't have access to it.
 
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Old Jan 30, 2012 | 09:02 AM
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I called another dealer and he had no problem telling me the part #. Its SA-903 for my truck. now to find a good price. I would go with a another brand if i felt confident that it would be just as reliable as the ford one. I cant return the core until After i install the new one. usually I order from Tousley Ford but then i have to ship the old one back etc and that pretty much negates most of the savings. Thanks for your help. Jeff
 
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Old Jan 30, 2012 | 09:29 AM
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Another option might be to find a local rebuilder...
 
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