Notices
1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel  

starter upgrade?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jan 17, 2018 | 09:05 PM
  #1  
mcali2's Avatar
mcali2
Thread Starter
|
Fleet Mechanic
10 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,691
Likes: 2
From: Fallon NV
starter upgrade?

I am having issues finding info on doing the starter mod. What do I need to do or get? My truck seems slow on the cranking . It's not bad but after putting in 2 1000 amp batteries I feel it should be much faster. some times it is.
 
Reply
Old Jan 17, 2018 | 09:18 PM
  #2  
fordpride's Avatar
fordpride
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 15,505
Likes: 18
From: Livoina,La
Need a 2 bolt SD starter. I use a 02 year model. The only thing that need to me done is the small ring terminal need to be drilled out a little for it to fit the new starter
 
Reply
Old Jan 17, 2018 | 09:19 PM
  #3  
1fastktm's Avatar
1fastktm
Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by mcali2
I am having issues finding info on doing the starter mod. What do I need to do or get? My truck seems slow on the cranking . It's not bad but after putting in 2 1000 amp batteries I feel it should be much faster. some times it is.

You have a couple options. A genuine Denso starter is a nice upgrade, bolts right up. Another less common upgrade is to use a 6.7 Powerstroke starter that has been modified. It bolts up to, the 7.3 and spins the engine over quite a bit faster than stock. I have a brand new Ford 6.7 starter modded setting in my garage.

Have you tested the starter for amp draw? What do your cables ohm out at? It sounds odd you say sometimes it starts slow.
 
Reply
Old Jan 17, 2018 | 09:28 PM
  #4  
fordpride's Avatar
fordpride
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 15,505
Likes: 18
From: Livoina,La
Originally Posted by 1fastktm
You have a couple options. A genuine Denso starter is a nice upgrade, bolts right up. Another less common upgrade is to use a 6.7 Powerstroke starter that has been modified. It bolts up to, the 7.3 and spins the engine over quite a bit faster than stock. I have a brand new Ford 6.7 starter modded setting in my garage.

Have you tested the starter for amp draw? What do your cables ohm out at? It sounds odd you say sometimes it starts slow.
2000-2003 7.3 starter is a 2 bolt gear reduction starter and will spin it faster than the stock 3 bolt planetary gear starter and less work.
 
Reply
Old Jan 17, 2018 | 09:43 PM
  #5  
1fastktm's Avatar
1fastktm
Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by fordpride
2000-2003 7.3 starter is a 2 bolt gear reduction starter and will spin it faster than the stock 3 bolt planetary gear starter and less work.
The 6.7 starter will spin faster than the Visteon/TYC 2 bolt OSGR starter in later 7.3s The 6.7 starter is an upgraded OSGR starter compared to the 7.3 version.

I like the 6.7 starter since it is brand new Ford. Only other option is a brand new Denso starter if you want Tier I or II Ford supplier. Otherwise you are stuck with remans, china copies, or "new" parts store starters.
 
Reply
Old Jan 17, 2018 | 10:53 PM
  #6  
mcali2's Avatar
mcali2
Thread Starter
|
Fleet Mechanic
10 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,691
Likes: 2
From: Fallon NV
Originally Posted by 1fastktm
You have a couple options. A genuine Denso starter is a nice upgrade, bolts right up. Another less common upgrade is to use a 6.7 Powerstroke starter that has been modified. It bolts up to, the 7.3 and spins the engine over quite a bit faster than stock. I have a brand new Ford 6.7 starter modded setting in my garage.

Have you tested the starter for amp draw? What do your cables ohm out at? It sounds odd you say sometimes it starts slow.
Man, I'm electrical dumb. I can plug and play. It just seems it should spin faster. I could be wrong. The cables could be getting old. The ends are cut off and clamped into the post via the aftermarket battery clamp on a battery. How do I Ohm them?
 
Reply
Old Jan 17, 2018 | 11:28 PM
  #7  
mcali2's Avatar
mcali2
Thread Starter
|
Fleet Mechanic
10 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,691
Likes: 2
From: Fallon NV
to ohm them out I have to pull them off completely right or just one end and get the other end close enough for the meter to read?
 
Reply
Old Jan 18, 2018 | 12:44 AM
  #8  
Hit Man X's Avatar
Hit Man X
Lead Driver
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 9,497
Likes: 2,020
From: North Texas
http://m.thoroughbreddiesel.com/denso-stock-replacement-starter-94-03-ford-powerstroke-7-3l.aspx

That is where I bought my Denso. Amazing difference.
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

 Brett Foote
story-2

Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-3

Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

 Brett Foote
story-6

2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026

 Brett Foote
story-9

5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time

 Joe Kucinski
Old Jan 18, 2018 | 08:43 AM
  #9  
knottyrope's Avatar
knottyrope
Lead Driver
10 Year Member
Photogenic
Shutterbug
Loved
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,180
Likes: 1,336
From: Bahstun
ohming them out isn't going to give good results


measure voltage drop when cranking will tell you how bad they are
 
Reply
Old Jan 18, 2018 | 08:49 AM
  #10  
farmert's Avatar
farmert
Lead Driver
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 5,098
Likes: 1,504
From: western SD
Originally Posted by mcali2
Man, I'm electrical dumb. I can plug and play. It just seems it should spin faster. I could be wrong. The cables could be getting old. The ends are cut off and clamped into the post via the aftermarket battery clamp on a battery. How do I Ohm them?
In my opinion, those clamp on cable ends are a temporary fix at best. They are just another place for corrosion to set in. I would go with new cables, either premade or you can get everything you need to make the cables from a good parts house. If you decide to make the cables use at least 00 gauge cable.
 
Reply
Old Jan 18, 2018 | 09:06 AM
  #11  
mcali2's Avatar
mcali2
Thread Starter
|
Fleet Mechanic
10 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,691
Likes: 2
From: Fallon NV
Originally Posted by knottyrope
ohming them out isn't going to give good results


measure voltage drop when cranking will tell you how bad they are

And how do I do that? Measure power at the battery post while cranking then the same at the starter?
 
Reply
Old Jan 18, 2018 | 09:08 AM
  #12  
mcali2's Avatar
mcali2
Thread Starter
|
Fleet Mechanic
10 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,691
Likes: 2
From: Fallon NV
Originally Posted by 1fastktm
You have a couple options. A genuine Denso starter is a nice upgrade, bolts right up. Another less common upgrade is to use a 6.7 Powerstroke starter that has been modified. It bolts up to, the 7.3 and spins the engine over quite a bit faster than stock. I have a brand new Ford 6.7 starter modded setting in my garage.

Have you tested the starter for amp draw? What do your cables ohm out at? It sounds odd you say sometimes it starts slow.
Are you offering the starter for sale? how much?
is the 6.7 faster than the denso.
 
Reply
Old Jan 18, 2018 | 10:00 AM
  #13  
BuddyBarnes's Avatar
BuddyBarnes
Laughing Gas
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 910
Likes: 96
From: Fl.
6.7 starter modified? I have not heard of this. Can you explain?
 
Reply
Old Jan 18, 2018 | 10:17 AM
  #14  
knottyrope's Avatar
knottyrope
Lead Driver
10 Year Member
Photogenic
Shutterbug
Loved
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,180
Likes: 1,336
From: Bahstun
Originally Posted by mcali2
And how do I do that? Measure power at the battery post while cranking then the same at the starter?
correct. if you have a big drop across the wire, that is a voltage loss to the starter.


I put my lead on battery post and to starter post to measure


then engine block to neg on battery


then test both with one battery removed and repeat on other battery
 
Reply
Old Jan 18, 2018 | 12:15 PM
  #15  
mcali2's Avatar
mcali2
Thread Starter
|
Fleet Mechanic
10 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,691
Likes: 2
From: Fallon NV
Now I'm more confused... how to you measure power if both leads are on the same side? + or -


I was thinking taking power reading at battery red to + post and black to Neg post. get reading. then go to starter, red to + on starter and Black to the starter base or grounding wire if there is one. is this the way to do it?


I'm just reading voltage right.
Also if there was a power drop would it not be the same if cranking or not cranking the engine?


thanks for edumacating me.
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:58 PM.

story-0
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE
story-1
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-2
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-3
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

Slideshow: first look at the 810 hp 2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road!

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-12 12:50:07


VIEW MORE
story-6
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

Slideshow: Everything You Need to Know about the 2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-07 17:51:06


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!

Slideshow: 10 most surprising Ford truck options/features in 2026.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:17:22


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026

Slideshow: Here are the top 10 Fords coming to Mecum Indy 2026.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:49:49


VIEW MORE
story-9
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time

Slideshow: The 5 best and 5 worst Ford truck wheels of all time

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 16:49:01


VIEW MORE