Starting Problem
Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Rockdale , TN
Starting Problem
Hello all , I recently bought a 1998 F150 with 4.6 . I've
been having problems starting it after I drive it awhile . When
I try to restart it, it just clicks out on the firewall. The
difference in what I've read about this problem and mine is that
after 30 or 40 minutes mine starts right up , so far . I know the battery is good and I put a new solenoid , battery cable ends and a neutral safety
switch . I just can't pinpoint the problem . I sure would appreciate
any help .
Bill
been having problems starting it after I drive it awhile . When
I try to restart it, it just clicks out on the firewall. The
difference in what I've read about this problem and mine is that
after 30 or 40 minutes mine starts right up , so far . I know the battery is good and I put a new solenoid , battery cable ends and a neutral safety
switch . I just can't pinpoint the problem . I sure would appreciate
any help .
Bill
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 7,907
Likes: 143
Very good chance the brushes in the starter are worn and hanging up with light contact on the armature.
Temperature changes move things.
Change out the starter and for good measure, the start relay you already did..
.
I just went through this same scenario a couple weeks ago.
Noticed a few days earlier, starting was just noticeable a bit lazy until the day came it left me down while I was out.
After replacements at 210,000 miles, whirls over like a new system.
.
The top bolt needs a long extension in from the front, to get at.
You can see the bolt from the fender well.
The others are easy to get at.
The starter comes down in the space your working in.
Use small wire brush to clean the cable terms before reassembly.
Good luck.
Temperature changes move things.
Change out the starter and for good measure, the start relay you already did..
.
I just went through this same scenario a couple weeks ago.
Noticed a few days earlier, starting was just noticeable a bit lazy until the day came it left me down while I was out.
After replacements at 210,000 miles, whirls over like a new system.
.
The top bolt needs a long extension in from the front, to get at.
You can see the bolt from the fender well.
The others are easy to get at.
The starter comes down in the space your working in.
Use small wire brush to clean the cable terms before reassembly.
Good luck.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Rockdale , TN
Thanks for the help and the tips . I was thinking I might end up
having to replace the starter , I read that is was a pain to do it .
I got spoiled working on my 67 and 72 , much simpler and a lot more
room .
Thanks again , Bill
having to replace the starter , I read that is was a pain to do it .
I got spoiled working on my 67 and 72 , much simpler and a lot more
room .
Thanks again , Bill
New User
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: SW Ohio
The starter is not a terrible job if you use a few shortcuts. I removed the front passenger tire to give easy access to the top bolt. I used 6" and 12" extensions and a u-joint with an air impact and ratchet to remove the bolts. I think it took me about 2 hours, but it could easily be done faster.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 462
Likes: 1
From: MN
Common problems with the starter itself is that the starter drive wears out. It is an electric solenoid attached to the starter inside it's extended housing that when energized electro-mechanically pushes the starters drive engage gear out to engage the flywheel teeth, turning over the engine. Upon releasing the starting key, it disengages the gear from the starter drive drawing it back into the starter housing. Replacing the entire unit is usually the ticket! Careful tightening the bottom starter bolt, the one that holds the ground cable. These are known to strip out in the transmissions aluminum housing. I had to drill mine out and replace with a SS bolt attached with a lock nut on the other side. And yes, wire brush that ground cable and fastener where they attach to the trans. housing, something you don't want to do on a cold winter day!
Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Rockdale , TN
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New User
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 19
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From: Rockdale , TN
Starter
Well 2 hours and a $150 seems to have done the trick . Thanks for all the advice , it helped .
Bill
Bill
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