I have a 96 7.3 FPS that will not start. We drove it, turned it off. Went to srart it again approx 30 min later and nothing.. Just a click. Had starter tested out good, batteries tested good (they are a year old), cleaned connectors. I did find oil puddled on the ground under the engine. I cannot seem to see where it originated. Was running good before this happened. A few times when it was cold (below 32 but above 0), if it didnt warm up for at least 20 min or more it would stall. Advice before I call a mechanic to come out and see? I would like to do this myself, if I can, before spending LOTS of $$$ on a pro.
Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

I had a starter tested and they said it was good. I said give me a new one anyway and my motor turned over faster then it ever did. Check all your battery cables for corrision and clean all the grounds. Clean the motor up really good and look for the leak. Do not use a power washer on it, use simple green and a hose with water running slow. I looked for a week to find my leak, sometimes its not easy to find. Good luck and welcome!

 

Just to cover the easy stuff. Do you have a wait to start light still, does the tach move well cranking, Any smoke well cranking?

 

Replace starter solenoid?

 

Thanks Bryan, I forgot to mention the first steps!

 

Starter solenoid if it just clicks and doesn't crank. It is on the fender on the passenger side and has two large electrical connections on it. Turn the key to the "run" position then using a big screwdriver, jump the two large terminals together. It may spark, so don't be surprised. It is either that, the starter or a bad connection between the batteries and the starter or ground.

Again, welcome and good luck.

 

The starter relay is on the one on the fender, right? I'm pretty sure that the solenoid is mounted on the starter on these trucks.

 

If you want to split hairs I guess you're right. Many people just refer to that device on the fender as the starter solenoid. A solenoid is just an electrical device that produces a movement. So they're both technically solenoids. Generally where I come from, the solenoid on the starter is referred to as a "bendix" solenoid since it often operates the linkage that throws the bendix out to engage the ring gear.

Maybe it's just a regional thing, but we always called it a starter solenoid (the one on the fender).

I guess that is kinda confusing.