Starter Problem
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Freshman User
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Starter Problem
Hi All,
I have an '01 F-350 7.3 Diesel, 86k miles.
After not driving the truck for a couple months this very cold winter, it became darn near impossible to start. Maybe a problem with the Glow Plugs, but that's another issue, although that may have contributed to my starter problem.
The starter kicks in, but immediately kicks back out and just spins.
AAA driver said it was the bendix. I called a local electrical shop and they said if they "could" rebuild the starter it would be around $120......if I took it off and put it back in...or another $75 if they did it.
I don't trust folks nowadays and don't want to have to purchase a NEW unit unless this one is ruined. It had never given me any problems except in the past week or so. There was probably only two times that I used the starter too long when it wouldn't start.
I know there is a lot of experience out there among you guys, so I'm asking for advice. I'm no stranger to wrenching, although I'd prefer not to do it, but around here no one wants to work and won't touch a wrench, even at a good price.
Is there anything I can do to repair the starter? Back in the day all we had to do was reverse a copper washer <smile>. I know things have changed since the earth cooled
.
What do you folks recommend?
Many thanks,
Jim in the Deserts of NM
I have an '01 F-350 7.3 Diesel, 86k miles.
After not driving the truck for a couple months this very cold winter, it became darn near impossible to start. Maybe a problem with the Glow Plugs, but that's another issue, although that may have contributed to my starter problem.
The starter kicks in, but immediately kicks back out and just spins.
AAA driver said it was the bendix. I called a local electrical shop and they said if they "could" rebuild the starter it would be around $120......if I took it off and put it back in...or another $75 if they did it.
I don't trust folks nowadays and don't want to have to purchase a NEW unit unless this one is ruined. It had never given me any problems except in the past week or so. There was probably only two times that I used the starter too long when it wouldn't start.
I know there is a lot of experience out there among you guys, so I'm asking for advice. I'm no stranger to wrenching, although I'd prefer not to do it, but around here no one wants to work and won't touch a wrench, even at a good price.
Is there anything I can do to repair the starter? Back in the day all we had to do was reverse a copper washer <smile>. I know things have changed since the earth cooled
.What do you folks recommend?
Many thanks,
Jim in the Deserts of NM
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 2,693
Likes: 3
From: West of Chicago
Welcome to FTE! 86,000 miles?! Im at almost 286,000 
Anyways, I have always taken my starters to a local shop to have them re-built. I don't trust big box parts stores, its all made in china junk now. If the shop has a good reputation Id go that route, at least you know who did it if there's any issues. I had many issues with aftermarket re-man units in the past so I used to go to Ford or International for a brand new one. That is not the most cost effective route though.
Anyways, I have always taken my starters to a local shop to have them re-built. I don't trust big box parts stores, its all made in china junk now. If the shop has a good reputation Id go that route, at least you know who did it if there's any issues. I had many issues with aftermarket re-man units in the past so I used to go to Ford or International for a brand new one. That is not the most cost effective route though.
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,712
Likes: 107
From: BoCoMo
Hi All,
I have an '01 F-350 7.3 Diesel, 86k miles.
After not driving the truck for a couple months this very cold winter, it became darn near impossible to start. Maybe a problem with the Glow Plugs, but that's another issue, although that may have contributed to my starter problem.
The starter kicks in, but immediately kicks back out and just spins.
AAA driver said it was the bendix. I called a local electrical shop and they said if they "could" rebuild the starter it would be around $120......if I took it off and put it back in...or another $75 if they did it.
I don't trust folks nowadays and don't want to have to purchase a NEW unit unless this one is ruined. It had never given me any problems except in the past week or so. There was probably only two times that I used the starter too long when it wouldn't start.
I know there is a lot of experience out there among you guys, so I'm asking for advice. I'm no stranger to wrenching, although I'd prefer not to do it, but around here no one wants to work and won't touch a wrench, even at a good price.
Is there anything I can do to repair the starter? Back in the day all we had to do was reverse a copper washer <smile>. I know things have changed since the earth cooled.
What do you folks recommend?
Many thanks,
Jim in the Deserts of NM
I have an '01 F-350 7.3 Diesel, 86k miles.
After not driving the truck for a couple months this very cold winter, it became darn near impossible to start. Maybe a problem with the Glow Plugs, but that's another issue, although that may have contributed to my starter problem.
The starter kicks in, but immediately kicks back out and just spins.
AAA driver said it was the bendix. I called a local electrical shop and they said if they "could" rebuild the starter it would be around $120......if I took it off and put it back in...or another $75 if they did it.
I don't trust folks nowadays and don't want to have to purchase a NEW unit unless this one is ruined. It had never given me any problems except in the past week or so. There was probably only two times that I used the starter too long when it wouldn't start.
I know there is a lot of experience out there among you guys, so I'm asking for advice. I'm no stranger to wrenching, although I'd prefer not to do it, but around here no one wants to work and won't touch a wrench, even at a good price.
Is there anything I can do to repair the starter? Back in the day all we had to do was reverse a copper washer <smile>. I know things have changed since the earth cooled
.What do you folks recommend?
Many thanks,
Jim in the Deserts of NM
If you have not driven your truck in a couple of months, get the batteries fully charged. If it kicks in and then out again, it most likely be the solenoid not keeping a good contact. It may be a good idea to get your batteries load tested and at the same time get the starter tested at a parts store. When taking the starter off, shoot some cleaner (electrical cleaner) into the gear area to clean it up, it may be sticking. The truck will not start if the voltage drops below 10.5vs.. If one battery is bad, replace both at the same time. if the starter is having 'issues', the wiring and bendix should be fine and don't go bad and it most likely will be the solenoid. When it is bench tested, that will show what is most likely wrong. You can order a solenoid (or whole starter) from Nations Starter & Alternator- Best Quality Starter & Alternator Supply!
Get back to us on how it is going and we can talk some more. Welcome to the forum.
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
If you have not driven your truck in a couple of months, get the batteries fully charged. If it kicks in and then out again, it most likely be the solenoid not keeping a good contact. It may be a good idea to get your batteries load tested and at the same time get the starter tested at a parts store. When taking the starter off, shoot some cleaner (electrical cleaner) into the gear area to clean it up, it may be sticking. The truck will not start if the voltage drops below 10.5vs.. If one battery is bad, replace both at the same time. if the starter is having 'issues', the wiring and bendix should be fine and don't go bad and it most likely will be the solenoid. When it is bench tested, that will show what is most likely wrong. You can order a solenoid (or whole starter) from Nations Starter & Alternator- Best Quality Starter & Alternator Supply!
Get back to us on how it is going and we can talk some more. Welcome to the forum.
Get back to us on how it is going and we can talk some more. Welcome to the forum.
Well, I put in two new batteries and it cranked right up.....the first time. Tried it again, and the starter kicked in, but just for a fraction of a second and turned the engine over, then kicked out.
So.............I guess it is definitely the starter (I know I needed new batteries anyway)or the solenoid, so I'm gonna remove it this morning as soon as it warms up a little more. I'm gonna have me a look at the solenoid when I get it out. I used to be able to repair those things and they don't look much different than they did fifty years ago.
A local electric shop wants about $120 to rebuild it, so I'm wondering just how much more one should pay to get a brand new one? I see them on line from $89.95, but that sure sounds low. They aren't OEM starters, but I wonder what the consideration might be?
Any suggestions appreciated?
Many thanks, once more.
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bigsquirt
Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L)
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May 28, 2004 07:51 PM
