i have a 77 f150 4x4. 400 6.6/c6 trans. i built this truck about 6 years ago. had engine and trans rebuilt. it has been sitting for 5 years. i had to leave it behind when i transferred(military). i just had it shipped out here last week so i could get it going again. i cleaned it all up, checked everything and attempted to start it last night.
The stater would spin and not engage on 7 out of the 8 times i would attempt to start it. It would then crank. but since it hasnt ran in 5 years, i need it to crank more than once to get her runnin.
What is the problem? any ideas? the starter and starer solenoid were all replaced when i built the truck. granted it is 6 years old now. i looked at the flex plate teeth and they look perfect and all there. i also looked at the stater gear and the teeth are all there as well. i am completely baffled. what am i missing? i have never had a problem like this ever.

Thank you for the help and ideas! it is greatly appreciated!

 

Bendix may not be kicking out. You can bench test it. 12V battery and a couple cables. may just be a weak spring or gungy shaft.
If it is rotating fine, lots of power, likely isn't a power issue.
You can actually take the starter apart no problems,, just the brushes you need to be concerned about. Clean up the inside with electro clean, clean the shaft, check the bendix.
Making sure it isn't binding up on the shaft at all. light grease if you want but they're made to go unlubricated.

 

I'd start with making sure that battery is good, and has a full charge. A weak battery will do that.
Also make sure your power and grounds are all clean, and tight.
If those all check out, you can remove the starter, and move parts stores can check them right in front of you.

Unk Bob

 

I would go with a "gummy shaft" as grease/oil become gummy over time just sitting.
That is if the batt. is fully charged.


If you have any old fuel in the tank(s) drain them before you try and start the motor.
Dave ----

 

Maybe forty years ago, even before I could drive, my dad taught me how to replace the Bendix gear in these starters. This was before we had AutoZone and O'Reilly on every corner, and starters were expensive. A good starter is still expensive, but a Bendix is cheaper!

Anyway, your problem could be simply a weak battery. Also, after several years, corrosion can diminish the power getting through the wires. Maybe replace, at least check, the primary hot, the starter lead and the ground.

Another guy last week had the same problem. When he opened up the starter, the brushes were toast

Anyway, several things to check before you start throwing cash at the problem...

 

Thank all of you for the info and ideas!
The battery is fully charged and stays on a battery tender when not used in one of the other trucks i got!
i am going to pull the starter to inspect it!