So I have a 03 f250 6.0 with 285,000 miles, when I shut the truck off and let it sit for like 20 mins and go to restart it, it cranks then just stops and I hear what I think to be the starter still turning till I let off the key. It'll do this for a while sometimes. So what do y'all think it could be? P.s I know it's very bad for the truck, but I have ran out of fuel about 9 times on the stock pump because my fuel gauge is off, and after the most recent breakdown is about the time it started. Well thank you for any help.

 

Are your starter bolts tight? If you are sure the starter motor is still turning until the key is turned off and the starter bolts are tight I would think you need a new starter.

 

Well thanks for the reply, i'll check it tomorrow. Sometimes it starts up no problem, but i'll get it checked.

 

BTW if you find that you do have to replace that starter get a 6.4 one.

Have a look at this thread that I did some time ago. You can find some Youtube
videos on how it sounds with the 6.4 in place and one of the AMP draw later on.

I also posted photos of the 6.0 and the 6.4 starters.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...t-for-fun.html

One way to check the starter you have in it right now is under the hood on the passenger side just above the
blower fas assembly is the starter solenoid wire. If you squeeze and pull it apart you can touch the end to
the ALT screw on the battery terminal and spin the starter with key off (Also good way to prime after HPOP
work so you don't cook the FICM with low voltage) If all you hear is clicks I would first clean the battery terminals
and the terminal on the starter to be sure that they are clean.

Here is that connector

A bad cable may not look bad so a voltage drop test may also give a clue if the other things don't first. Here is a
youtube link on how to do that test. Do both cables. This also works on other cables.You could check the battery
interconnect between the two sets. This test is not limited to heavy cables. Lets say you think you might have a high
resistance wire from lets say between the BJB and the CJB you could check it this way for example.

Now about fuel level senders they are easy to service and clean if they are are not wiped out. I find it's a good idea to
replace the top rubber O-ring at the tank. They make a tool for turning the tank nut. It goes back on at 60 Ft/Lb with this tool.
If you don't have and can't get the tool you can use a blunt punch to turn the nut with care. Just mark a reference point so you
get it back on just right.

Fuel level sensor can be cleaned with a Q-tip and some alcohol. Carefully remove the cover then just wipe gently and wipe
until a new swab comes back clean. Mine was covered in rust. Also be sure to clean the tip of the wiper For access I just tipped
the bed up and blocked it into place. Tank was more than 1/2 full and I did not want to drop it. When you put the nut back on
it feels like 60 Ft/Lb is a long way to go. I will also add the tank and lines PDF for you.




Sean

6.0L Tech Folder

 

I suffered through a very similiar scenario on my old chevy malibu. Turn the key and sometimes it would start, sometimes the starter gear would clank with the fly wheel. Sometimes the starter would just spin. The starter bench tested fine.

It turned out to be the solenoid was not strong enough to kick out the pinion enough to properly engage the flywheel. I replaced the starter and all is well.

 

Wow thank you for the info, i'll check it later tonight and get back with the info, I also have a breathalyzer in it and I have to start it once a day or it'll drain dead. I've had to get jumped 4 times last week (and cause I have 4 glow plugs out) but i'm about to replace em all along with the relay.

 

Alternator tested bad... replaced it, still cranks then stops but we will see about the battery draining tomorrow

 

So turned out to be the starter. The alternator was draining the battery, and the starter was causing the cranking to stop. All is good now thank yawl for the info.

 

Glad to see you got her going and thank you for the update.