is it the starter?

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Mar 15, 2016 | 04:29 PM

cjben

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Lead Driver

Joined: Apr 2001

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From: Midwest

is it the starter?

1996 f250 4wd 460. Starter has been turning over slow ever since I've had it,more so when the engine is hot. Now all the starter does is click. I have cleaned all the connections and the battery is new. I even beat on it with a hammer and no luck. I tried jumping the solenoid just for giggles,and the starter just clicked the same as when the key is turned. Before I spend a bunch of money on a starter,is there any surefire way to be sure that is the problem?

Mar 15, 2016 | 05:25 PM

Lead Head

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From: Rhode Island

Try running a jumper cable directly to the positive terminal on the starter is about the only thing I can think of.

Mar 15, 2016 | 06:14 PM

cjben

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From: Midwest

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lead Head

Try running a jumper cable directly to the positive terminal on the starter is about the only thing I can think of.

from the positive terminal on the battery to the positive terminal on the starter?

Mar 15, 2016 | 07:18 PM

Lead Head

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From: Rhode Island

Yes, also verify your battery to block ground is good.

Mar 15, 2016 | 08:51 PM

cjben

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From: Midwest

ok. thanks. I will try those things in the morning

Mar 15, 2016 | 09:14 PM

sgip2000

Mountain Pass

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From: Hillsboro, OR

Give it a firm whack with a hammer. If it starts easily after that, starter is shot.

Mar 15, 2016 | 09:44 PM

cjben

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Joined: Apr 2001

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From: Midwest

Quote:

Originally Posted by sgip2000

Give it a firm whack with a hammer. If it starts easily after that, starter is shot.

hit it as hard as i could with what little room there is to swing a hammer. no luck

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Mar 15, 2016 | 10:12 PM

timbersteel

Logistics Pro

Joined: Mar 2005

Posts: 4,698

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From: Mexico, Missouri

Pull it off and take it to the parts store to test it.

I know they can test them here.

Mar 16, 2016 | 08:50 AM

#10

MI02SVT

Senior User

Joined: Dec 2014

Posts: 348

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Get it tested if it fails and you replace it and it still turns over slow replacev your battery cables

If it passes for some reason replace battery cables bad cables will eat a starter up

The reason it turned slower after engine was warm is because heat causes more resistance and if you already have it it compounds the problem

Mar 16, 2016 | 03:54 PM

#11

dixie460

Postmaster

Joined: Nov 2011

Posts: 3,533

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From: SW Florida

Just for future reference, don't bash on the starter as hard as you can. It needs a firm smack with a hammer, yes, but don't beat the tar out of it either. Doing so just breaks the permanent magnets inside the case, then it WILL be junk if it wasn't already.