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I'm having issues getting my beast started. '90 E350 7.3 ambulance.
Replaced the batteries and starter (whose idea was it to put the top bolt there?), and now when I turn the key, the glow plugs run and all I get is a "click".
Update: I have tried the "wiggling the gearshift" trick....and am now trying to locate the solenoid/relay inside the passenger fender....does anybody have any pics of what this looks like?
It's about 1.5" diameter, sticks straight out. Has two large(like 1/4-3/8") terminals, and one smaller terminal on top. Has a wire with a rubber boot over the smaller terminal, it just slides off.
Might be helpful to future readers (that's the whole reason for the forum format, after all....) to know what you did to get it going....
Good point.
Background: Vehicle would not start, only made clicking sound when key was turned.
First I checked the batteries, which were a little fried, so I replaced them.
I then confirmed that the glow plugs were cycling. As I don't have any way/enough patience of measuring this at the glow plug relay, I initiated the glow plug cycle while I checked out the load drain on the batteries. My rig has an ambulance package with a battery ampmeter built in to the auxiliary panel, so this was no big deal.
When this looked ok, I pulled the starter , and had it load tested at the parts store. It was, apparently on the way out. (I should mention that the starting system was the only system NOT replaced/repaired by the previous owner, so I was planning on doing this at some point anyway). I then installed the new starter, to no avail: *click*.....F$%K!
Finally, I pulled the second starter relay from inside the front fender, and violently scrubbed all connections with a BBQ brush, resealed the unit and replaced. For good measure, I removed the last of any/all corrosion from any possible electrical lead I could find with the brush, re connected it all, and said a quiet prayer.
Started better than it ever has, according to the PO (good friend who was concerned that the truck wouldn't start).
Hope that helps.
-k
***edit**** Should also mention, that I attempted starting in N, as well as while jiggling the gearshift to ensure it was not the safety switch gone awry.
Last edited by 2andfour; Jun 19, 2014 at 01:08 PM.
Reason: additional information
, and had it load tested at the parts store. It was, apparently on the way out. (I should mention that the starting system was the only system NOT replaced/repaired by the previous owner, so I was planning on doing this at some point anyway). I then installed the new starter, to no avail: *click*.....F$%K!