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Dec 26, 2011 | 09:14 PM

njkite51

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Starter Advice

Happy holidays everyone! My truck has been more and more difficult to start the past 2 months and i believe it is the starter. I put a load test on the batteries and when turning the key voltage dropped from about 13.2 to 8v. I did the same thing on an identical truck and voltage only dropped to 11.5v So this leads me to believe its time to replace the starter. She is an 04 with 102xxx on her.
My question is to go with the starter from the local advanced auto parts for $210 plus core, or go the ebay route. I found this one which has the same specs but is a lot more wallet friendly. Any advice would be appreciated. Excursion Diesel Starter 6.0 Liter 03 04 05 New Ford | eBay

Dec 26, 2011 | 09:17 PM

cheezit

Post Fiend

Joined: Oct 2009

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From: N. Fort Worth, tx

have you tested the batteries yet? dieing cells will casue the same issue. droping below 9.5v most of these trucks wont start. also its very bad on the ficm's

Dec 26, 2011 | 09:19 PM

bismic

Fleet Owner

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nevermind - slow fingers tonight!

Dec 26, 2011 | 09:34 PM

w_huisman

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Joined: Dec 2007

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From: IA MN SD

Sounds more like it needs batteries than a starter, but I have been wrong before.

Dec 27, 2011 | 12:06 AM

njkite51

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the batteries were replaced less then a year ago and load test like they are still new. That is why I believe it is the starter?

Dec 27, 2011 | 12:08 AM

dukie1877

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Joined: Oct 2006

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From: mckenna wa

+1 on the batteries you have some heavy hitters here sayin the same thing. Might save yourself some cash. How old are the batteries? Although I have bought new batteries bad so it really dont matter much other than if they are really old it is most likely the cause or atleast could be part of the issue.

Dec 27, 2011 | 06:19 AM

npccpartsman

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Joined: Dec 2003

Posts: 15,369

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From: Stuttgart, Ar

++1 on the batteries. They should never drop to 8 volts and age has nothing to do with it. Make sure they are load tested separately by disconnecting one of the ground cables.

If you are absolutely determined to replace the starter then go to NAPA and get one. It cranks faster than the stock starter and the solenoid wiring attachments are MUCH stronger than stock. I've had one for 5+ years now and have had excellent luck with it.