Starter problems/ question?
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Tuned
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 395
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From: Western Caribbean.
Starter problems/ question?
Hi guys, hope 2014 has begun well for y'all.
I had a no-start situation last week on the 02. I checked the batteries, added some water and put a good charge on them, nothing, not even a solenoid click. I got under the truck and put a tester on the terminal and got 12v, so had my son turn the key and the truck started. Shut her down and restarted her 4 more times, all good. Next day, same thing, no start. Pulled the starter, thinking I could change it for the starter from my old 99.5 but realized they look very different and the 02 only has 2 bolts, the 99 has three, as they do in the few youtube videos I watched on troubleshooting.
Now I have the starter out I am wondering, is there anything that can be done by someone to get an old starter working again? I put a fresh battery to the main lug and jumped the solenoid and the solenoid pops out the gear but no turn and it was VERY slow when I first tried it on the truck battery. I opened up the starter and all the brushes look good but don't know what else to look for. Is there anything I can do to it to get it working again, and secondly, will the three bolt starter from the 99.5 fir the opening on the 02?
Thanks much for any and all input.
I had a no-start situation last week on the 02. I checked the batteries, added some water and put a good charge on them, nothing, not even a solenoid click. I got under the truck and put a tester on the terminal and got 12v, so had my son turn the key and the truck started. Shut her down and restarted her 4 more times, all good. Next day, same thing, no start. Pulled the starter, thinking I could change it for the starter from my old 99.5 but realized they look very different and the 02 only has 2 bolts, the 99 has three, as they do in the few youtube videos I watched on troubleshooting.
Now I have the starter out I am wondering, is there anything that can be done by someone to get an old starter working again? I put a fresh battery to the main lug and jumped the solenoid and the solenoid pops out the gear but no turn and it was VERY slow when I first tried it on the truck battery. I opened up the starter and all the brushes look good but don't know what else to look for. Is there anything I can do to it to get it working again, and secondly, will the three bolt starter from the 99.5 fir the opening on the 02?
Thanks much for any and all input.
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,089
Likes: 16
SLow to turn is usually a sign the armature or windings are dirty/damaged. The armature can be cleaned but not a lot can be done for the windings. A good starter rebuild shop can usually just fix what you have for less than a new one.
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 395
Likes: 0
From: Western Caribbean.
Thanks, since I had it apart already, what is the best way to clean it? I did blow the dust out of it but could prolly clean it well, can I use alcohol on a rag or?? I could then blow it out better again, w the compressor, think that would help?
I am overseas so if I order one it will take 3 weeks to get here... what about the old one? Is there a diff between the 2 and 3 bolt starters, or is one hole just covered on this particular brand (Denso)?
I am overseas so if I order one it will take 3 weeks to get here... what about the old one? Is there a diff between the 2 and 3 bolt starters, or is one hole just covered on this particular brand (Denso)?
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,089
Likes: 16
2 bolt and 3 bolt usually will interchange. Your 99 has the fender mounted starter solenoid and the 02 does not but I do not think that will affect anything
The guys at the starter house polish the armatures up to get them clean. Usually something abrasive to grind it.
The guys at the starter house polish the armatures up to get them clean. Usually something abrasive to grind it.
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Tuned
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 395
Likes: 0
From: Western Caribbean.
Excellent, I will try both tomorrow. Any recommendations on a new starter? Seems from past threads this was recommended, is it still a good choice? DB Electrical - NEW STARTER 94 95 96 97 98 99 99 00 FORD POWERSTROKE 7.3 F-SERIES
Cheers!
Cheers!
2 bolt and 3 bolt usually will interchange. Your 99 has the fender mounted starter solenoid and the 02 does not but I do not think that will affect anything
The guys at the starter house polish the armatures up to get them clean. Usually something abrasive to grind it.
The guys at the starter house polish the armatures up to get them clean. Usually something abrasive to grind it.
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 395
Likes: 0
From: Western Caribbean.
Sorry, wrong link, this is the one I thought would work, two bolt, looks very similar to the one I took off.
http://www.dbelectrical.com/p-1302-f...2-03-6669.aspx
http://www.dbelectrical.com/p-1302-f...2-03-6669.aspx
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,712
Likes: 107
From: BoCoMo
This is a good place to look into. I was very happy with their parts and service. I ordered the solenoid that is on the starter and just replaced that. I was told that the windings and brushes almost never wear out and putting a new solenoid that goes on the started did the trick and it starts like a brand new starter at less than half the price. Tell them what you have and they will talk to you about it for your best result.
Nations Starter & Alternator- Best Quality Starter & Alternator Supply!
Nations Starter & Alternator- Best Quality Starter & Alternator Supply!
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Tuned
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 395
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From: Western Caribbean.
Thank you Brother Les. I spent yesterday under the trucks again and managed to get the old starter out to compare them. It looks like they both have 13 teeth and the two/ three bolt pattern are interchangeable, but what a big difference in starters. Now, after spinning them both on the bench I am thinking the problem may be electrical, since the solenoid engages and they both turn equally as slowly. My battery voltage reads at 12.4ish so thinking that maybe a damaged signal wire somewhere???
I have a remote start on this truck which I might take out since I never use it and hasn't worked properly since I first got the truck. Could that cause problems? Is there a relay cut into the signal wire from the remote start?
Thanks again..... here is a pic of the two different starters side by side for anyone interested.
Let's try again;
I have a remote start on this truck which I might take out since I never use it and hasn't worked properly since I first got the truck. Could that cause problems? Is there a relay cut into the signal wire from the remote start?
Thanks again..... here is a pic of the two different starters side by side for anyone interested.
Let's try again;
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Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,712
Likes: 107
From: BoCoMo
Both types of starters do work on our trucks. As you may know the 'hot' wire to the starter is always 'hot'. Disconnect from batts. After rereading your original post, it dawned on me that I also had the same issue. Some times started great and sometimes nothing. Be very careful of the little wire connectors on the solenoid.... they will twist off and break if too much pressure is applied putting on or taking off 
. I found that there was a contact problem at one of the wires and it was corroded. Sanded it down and better contact. Tighten good, but be aware that you can twist the bolt pin right out of the solenoid.
. I found that there was a contact problem at one of the wires and it was corroded. Sanded it down and better contact. Tighten good, but be aware that you can twist the bolt pin right out of the solenoid.
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 395
Likes: 0
From: Western Caribbean.
I wondered the same thing Les. The control wire connection looked a little iffy and was pulled tight, so I crimped a good 3" extra #10 wire in there good and tight. Got everything bolted back on this morning and nothing, so thinking it's time to order a new starter. 
Both types of starters do work on our trucks. As you may know the 'hot' wire to the starter is always 'hot'. Disconnect from batts. After rereading your original post, it dawned on me that I also had the same issue. Some times started great and sometimes nothing. Be very careful of the little wire connectors on the solenoid.... they will twist off and break if too much pressure is applied putting on or taking off . I found that there was a contact problem at one of the wires and it was corroded. Sanded it down and better contact. Tighten good, but be aware that you can twist the bolt pin right out of the solenoid.
. I found that there was a contact problem at one of the wires and it was corroded. Sanded it down and better contact. Tighten good, but be aware that you can twist the bolt pin right out of the solenoid.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 4,738
Likes: 15
From: Temperance, MI
I'm beginning to think that you have a sloppy shifter. Have you tried pushing the shifter all the way up into park and crank the engine while you're still pushing up? Or try starting in neutral. It's a very common issue with these truck... I know it cost me a starter and solenoid I didn't need...
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,712
Likes: 107
From: BoCoMo
I do not think that your starter(s) are bad. You have them off, take them to a parts store to get tested. That will show if they are dragging or not. imo it is an electrical issue that may not be related to the starter itself.
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 395
Likes: 0
From: Western Caribbean.
Thanks Les and John, I got all excited and just tried the shifter but running it through neutral and back up to park, or holding up makes no difference. I am thinking the same but there is no parts store here, I am stuck in the middle of nowhere, so no one to help. I got the 02 starter back on this morning and even tho they were both turning slowly they BOTH jumped and cranked, so I think there is another issue too as there's not even a click now. Maybe it's related to the remote start.... I'll look into that and see what I can find. Thanks for the help guys, keep the ideas coming if you have more.... I'm getting frustrated.
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,712
Likes: 107
From: BoCoMo
Here is a thread that might give you some ideas to look at.
On the main 7.3 page there is a place to type in some key words and it will bring up threads to look at.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...y-starter.html
On the main 7.3 page there is a place to type in some key words and it will bring up threads to look at.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...y-starter.html
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 395
Likes: 0
From: Western Caribbean.
Thanks again Les, the link was quite useful, though I am pretty sure I do not have a fender mounted relay. I can chase the positive to the starter right back to the pass side battery. I imagine the solenoid switch wire runs into the cab and to the ignition, correct? I did just get my kids over to turn the key and help me check starter voltages again and now I am convinced the starter is fine, as I have 12.8v at the hot and zero, up to around 0.9v at the solenoid on key turn. I think this is a security system or remote start issue but will start a new thread in case I can get help from someone who's lost interest in this one (please check it out), lol. Thanks again for your help Les and John. 