72 F100 Starter Problem
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: GA
72 F100 Starter Problem
I am new at this and this may be a stupid question but I am stumped.
I bought a 72 F100 not too long ago. It is my first project truck. It started great for about 6 weeks and then the starter began having issues. First it would occasionally not engage the flywheel and now it wont engage it at all. I have replaced the starter. The old one looked as though the gears were not fully engaging. Had it tested. It tested bad. Replaced it and now the same problem is there. Thought maybe I was not getting enough juice so I replaced the battery and all of the worn cables. Also replaced the relay. Same problem. The transmission has been replaced with a C6 automatic and the engine is a 390 that has been rebuilt and only has 25-30,000 miles on it. The guy I bought is from had changed the starter right before I got it, so this is the second starter in 6 months. Should the starter be shimmed? Am I missing something stupid?
I bought a 72 F100 not too long ago. It is my first project truck. It started great for about 6 weeks and then the starter began having issues. First it would occasionally not engage the flywheel and now it wont engage it at all. I have replaced the starter. The old one looked as though the gears were not fully engaging. Had it tested. It tested bad. Replaced it and now the same problem is there. Thought maybe I was not getting enough juice so I replaced the battery and all of the worn cables. Also replaced the relay. Same problem. The transmission has been replaced with a C6 automatic and the engine is a 390 that has been rebuilt and only has 25-30,000 miles on it. The guy I bought is from had changed the starter right before I got it, so this is the second starter in 6 months. Should the starter be shimmed? Am I missing something stupid?
New User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 0
Likes: 24
72 F100 Starter Problem
We went through this problem here with Connie's(ford4life78)
I think the problem was finally solved.
So, I need some numbers from that starter and the exact application You HAVE as far as engine,transmission.
I think the problem was finally solved.
So, I need some numbers from that starter and the exact application You HAVE as far as engine,transmission.
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
From: Hoquiam, WA
72 F100 Starter Problem
Mil1ion, are there different starters available for the AT vs. manual?
I thought they were the same.
I am putting an AT in mine this weekend, and would like to avoid any more hassles that what I've already been through.
----Patrick
I thought they were the same.
I am putting an AT in mine this weekend, and would like to avoid any more hassles that what I've already been through.
----Patrick
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,622
Likes: 0
From: nevada
72 F100 Starter Problem
Sounds like you might have some teeth chewed, worn, or missing on your flywheel. Also hear of trucks with headers killing starters prematurely. When I dropped my rebuilt 390 in with new starter, I wrapped fire cloth around starter to shield some header heat. Or use header wrap. I also bolt on 2nd ground wire from engine to firewall. Ground is just as important as positive hookups.
New User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 0
Likes: 24
72 F100 Starter Problem
Mil1ion, are there different starters available for the AT vs. manual?
I thought they were the same.
********************************************
Yes there are different starters.
Short Nose(short) , Long nose (longer travel)
I need the engine & tranny ident.
I thought they were the same.
********************************************
Yes there are different starters.
Short Nose(short) , Long nose (longer travel)
I need the engine & tranny ident.
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
From: Hoquiam, WA
72 F100 Starter Problem
Mil1ion, my block is a 69 390 (car) and the tranny I'm picking up is out of a 74-75 F250 2wd (dipstick behind block, if that helps).
I'm getting the flexplate with it also.
----Patrick
I'm getting the flexplate with it also.
----Patrick
Trending Topics
New User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 0
Likes: 24
72 F100 Starter Problem
The Motorcraft service starter is SA-720A
Compare & cross-over numbers at the parts store
Compare & cross-over numbers at the parts store
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: GA
72 F100 Starter Problem
I will crawl under and get the numbers this weekend. One of the things I noticed on the starter I replaced was that the bendix was only worn on the tip and was not fully engaging. maybe I need the longer starter.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: GA
72 F100 Starter Problem
OK My engine number is C5aE8425C, it is a 390.
The only number i could find on the transmission is "5". I am not sure if this is the correct number since I have never done this before. The tranny came out of a Lincoln I am told but I do not know the make or year. I am trying to find that out from the guy I bought it from. But I am haveing trouble locating him.
Can you tell me the starter from this info or please tell me what other info you need?
The only number i could find on the transmission is "5". I am not sure if this is the correct number since I have never done this before. The tranny came out of a Lincoln I am told but I do not know the make or year. I am trying to find that out from the guy I bought it from. But I am haveing trouble locating him.
Can you tell me the starter from this info or please tell me what other info you need?
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: GA
72 F100 Starter Problem
The transmission is an automatic C6 and the engine is C5aE8425C, it is a 390a 390 FE. Can you tell me the starter please?
Shawn
PS thanks for all of the help. I am slowing but surely learning.
Shawn
PS thanks for all of the help. I am slowing but surely learning.
New User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta USA
72 F100 Starter Problem
You're not having a voltage issue I assume. I end up having to put new cables on mine.
Over time the connections build resistance and you cant enough current flow to get the bendix to kick and the starter to turn over. Not sure if this is your problem just thought I would throw this in.
Over time the connections build resistance and you cant enough current flow to get the bendix to kick and the starter to turn over. Not sure if this is your problem just thought I would throw this in.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: GA
72 F100 Starter Problem
I have replaced all of the battery cables and the relay. The only thing left is the ground wire and I have to check the firewall contact for that. After that, I am stumped.
Shawn
Shawn
