Batteries?
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 4,807
Likes: 125
From: Colorado Springs
I had a set this year of Costco batteries with 42 month warranty. Went to Wyoming this year and they went bad. Bought a set of NAPA batteries and they spin the starter faster then ever. I have had good luck buying batteries in Wyoming. Don't know why but they seem to last the warranty time. I paid the 10 each for core and took my old batteries back to costco and they gave me my full amount in cash for the batteries. What a deal. I noticed the new ones are only three years for warranty. Mine were three years and 2 months old.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 27,353
Likes: 5,946
From: Lake Hartwell, GA
The North batteries emphasize cold-cranking amps (a measure of how well the battery starts an engine during extreme cold weather), whereas the South batterieshave higher electrolyte-to-lead ratios that bolster durability in the heat. Most stores carry the appropriate battery for the area they're located in.
https://www.consumerreports.org/car-...20located%20in.
I have included the link because there is quite a bit more information and details in the article that may lead someone to make an informed decision on their next battery choice.
New User
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas,NV
I recently went through the same thing with my "00 7.3. Battery cables and posts were coated with a light "slime" and the cable terminals had become soft and maleable to the point of keeping the bolts and nuts from getting a socket to make solid contact. A cordless grinder and wire brush followed by sanding with emery cloth cleaned up the terminals and allowed a firm,tight contact. Starts easily now and don't have to use the block heater anymore!
Cross-Country
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 95
Likes: 6
I'll second that. I spent forever trying to figure out what my battery issues were due to. Nothing less fun than pulling the 2nd battery over and over again in subfreezing weather. The end cuplrit was the 2nd battery cable terminal where it leaves the main battery. The terminal didn't even look dirty - but I sanded it down really good and made sure everything made contact.
It had just enough corrosion on it that the alternator wasn't every really charging the 2nd battery. So with 1 fully charged battery and 1 half-dead battery, the 2nd battery was draining down the primary battery. Then when I went to crank, it was pulling almost exclusively from the primary battery and was not turning over fast enough to start the engine, and would die very quickly in cold weather.
I cleaned up that terminal really well and cleaned up everything it was supposed to touch and voila, she starts super fast every time now. I went from not being able to start if the temps were under 40F to starting up no problem at 0F. No money spent. I have to wonder how many of the replaced cables on the forum were actually issues with the cable and not the terminals. They really didn't look that dirty/corroded. Doesn't hurt to just clean everything up really well.
It had just enough corrosion on it that the alternator wasn't every really charging the 2nd battery. So with 1 fully charged battery and 1 half-dead battery, the 2nd battery was draining down the primary battery. Then when I went to crank, it was pulling almost exclusively from the primary battery and was not turning over fast enough to start the engine, and would die very quickly in cold weather.
I cleaned up that terminal really well and cleaned up everything it was supposed to touch and voila, she starts super fast every time now. I went from not being able to start if the temps were under 40F to starting up no problem at 0F. No money spent. I have to wonder how many of the replaced cables on the forum were actually issues with the cable and not the terminals. They really didn't look that dirty/corroded. Doesn't hurt to just clean everything up really well.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 199
Likes: 33
From: Northern California
I recently went through the same thing with my "00 7.3. Battery cables and posts were coated with a light "slime" and the cable terminals had become soft and maleable to the point of keeping the bolts and nuts from getting a socket to make solid contact. A cordless grinder and wire brush followed by sanding with emery cloth cleaned up the terminals and allowed a firm,tight contact. Starts easily now and don't have to use the block heater anymore!
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 9,399
Likes: 188
From: Norco,CA
batteries
A lot of batteries have a NORTHERN and SOUTHERN model. The North batteries emphasize cold-cranking amps (a measure of how well the battery starts an engine during extreme cold weather), whereas the South batterieshave higher electrolyte-to-lead ratios that bolster durability in the heat. Most stores carry the appropriate battery for the area they're located in.
Banned
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 3,541
Likes: 458
I have a pair of Interstate batteries from Costco, 850 CCA rating. They're a year old and the starter is slowing down. I don't suspect the batteries. I do suspect the 22 year old battery cables so I'm replacing everything from the batteries to the starter with 2/0 and I'm upgrading to a Denso starter from CNC Fab. While I'm at it I'm installing a Mechman 240 amp alternator and upgrading those cables to 1/0. Looking forward to some bright lights and seriously fast cranking.
if/when my 110 amp carquest reman goes bad I know FICM Repair sells a 140 amp drop in for the 7.3...I think it’s a Delco-Remy. I also think the stock 6.0 Bosch 140 amp can be retrofitted. High output alternators I’ve heard can cook the glow plugs unles you have a 6.0 or CA 7.3 with a glow plug control module.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 199
Likes: 33
From: Northern California
Edit: That sounded kind of snotty without some context, sorry about that. I have lots of off road lighting and a battery bank in a camper trailer. And as a matter of fact, I do have a 7.3 CA, thanks for that tip.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 195
Likes: 2
From: AK
First, I LOVE that rear window sticker. Subtle and conservative, but a great detail that only magnifies the significance of the flag. Well done!
I was tired of being let down by lead acid batteries and I am too damn lazy to swap them out once every 3 years for warranty replacements. I went with NorthStar NSB-AGM65 batteries, but recently FTE'r jstihl went with the same battery but branded by Batteries Plus as seen in the link below.
Northstar agm X2?? Anyone tried these?
If I need to do this again, I will most likely choose the route jstihl did. Nothing wrong with my selection since they are the exact same battery, just easier to obtain for a consumer when not going directly to the manufacturer. Mine were drop shipped from regional dealer and were 1 month old when I received them.
Not all AGM batteries are created equal either though, so choose wisely if you decide to go this route.
AGM Group 65 Battery Comparison
As for the starter, the 6.7L starter mod is a great option for anyone that has the time and ability to go that route. I would have, that is for sure... I bought a Denso from CNC Fabrication and it has been a beast. From what I gather, the 6.7L starter with the 7.3L nose cone on it sounds very similar. I upgraded to AGM batteries, Denso starter, better battery wiring and a QuickStart alternator at the same time about 3.5 years ago and the truck starts today just as it did in the video below and as it did 3.5 years ago.
I do NOT recommend QuickStart alternators any longer and anyone looking for a high quality replacement, go the route F0rdc0wb0y did with the Leece Neville in this link: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post19549627
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3Ls...XAzSir&index=8
I was tired of being let down by lead acid batteries and I am too damn lazy to swap them out once every 3 years for warranty replacements. I went with NorthStar NSB-AGM65 batteries, but recently FTE'r jstihl went with the same battery but branded by Batteries Plus as seen in the link below.
Northstar agm X2?? Anyone tried these?
If I need to do this again, I will most likely choose the route jstihl did. Nothing wrong with my selection since they are the exact same battery, just easier to obtain for a consumer when not going directly to the manufacturer. Mine were drop shipped from regional dealer and were 1 month old when I received them.
Not all AGM batteries are created equal either though, so choose wisely if you decide to go this route.
AGM Group 65 Battery Comparison
As for the starter, the 6.7L starter mod is a great option for anyone that has the time and ability to go that route. I would have, that is for sure... I bought a Denso from CNC Fabrication and it has been a beast. From what I gather, the 6.7L starter with the 7.3L nose cone on it sounds very similar. I upgraded to AGM batteries, Denso starter, better battery wiring and a QuickStart alternator at the same time about 3.5 years ago and the truck starts today just as it did in the video below and as it did 3.5 years ago.
I do NOT recommend QuickStart alternators any longer and anyone looking for a high quality replacement, go the route F0rdc0wb0y did with the Leece Neville in this link: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post19549627
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3Ls...XAzSir&index=8
I'm going to go to carquest tomorrow to see what options they have. It died again today and those batteries are just smoked. And of course, I'm in need of new ones for my 03 6.0 too. It is going to be an expensive day. I'd rather go with what carquest has instead of ordering batteries, because they're 3 minutes down the road and warranty exchanges will be very easy for me. I'll check and see if they carry those Northstar ones but I doubt it. Also, thank you very much for that comparison article. Very helpful.
The video of your truck starting astounded me! My 7.3 sounds SO tired and slow cranking in comparison! It turns over like 1/4 speed yours does. Is this the one you bought? https://cncfab.us/i-30497609-denso-g...8000-8420.html if so, I'll have to plan on saving up to buy one very soon.
What is the advantage of a quick start alternator? How does an alternator impact the starting system?
Thank you very much for your time and help, life is crazy hectic so I haven't been able to get back on here in a while...
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 26,007
Likes: 575
From: Brentwood,CA
Hey Sous thank you for that compliment. I love this country, even with our government driving it down the toilet, I will always stand for our precious flag.
I'm going to go to carquest tomorrow to see what options they have. It died again today and those batteries are just smoked. And of course, I'm in need of new ones for my 03 6.0 too. It is going to be an expensive day. I'd rather go with what carquest has instead of ordering batteries, because they're 3 minutes down the road and warranty exchanges will be very easy for me. I'll check and see if they carry those Northstar ones but I doubt it. Also, thank you very much for that comparison article. Very helpful.
The video of your truck starting astounded me! My 7.3 sounds SO tired and slow cranking in comparison! It turns over like 1/4 speed yours does. Is this the one you bought? https://cncfab.us/i-30497609-denso-g...8000-8420.html if so, I'll have to plan on saving up to buy one very soon.
What is the advantage of a quick start alternator? How does an alternator impact the starting system?
Thank you very much for your time and help, life is crazy hectic so I haven't been able to get back on here in a while...
I'm going to go to carquest tomorrow to see what options they have. It died again today and those batteries are just smoked. And of course, I'm in need of new ones for my 03 6.0 too. It is going to be an expensive day. I'd rather go with what carquest has instead of ordering batteries, because they're 3 minutes down the road and warranty exchanges will be very easy for me. I'll check and see if they carry those Northstar ones but I doubt it. Also, thank you very much for that comparison article. Very helpful.
The video of your truck starting astounded me! My 7.3 sounds SO tired and slow cranking in comparison! It turns over like 1/4 speed yours does. Is this the one you bought? https://cncfab.us/i-30497609-denso-g...8000-8420.html if so, I'll have to plan on saving up to buy one very soon.
What is the advantage of a quick start alternator? How does an alternator impact the starting system?
Thank you very much for your time and help, life is crazy hectic so I haven't been able to get back on here in a while...
if you want the Northstar the easiest local place is Batteries + Bulbs. Currently they are still 10% off when bought online and picked up in store. There also may still be the additional 30.00 per battery rebate.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 27,353
Likes: 5,946
From: Lake Hartwell, GA
The QuickStart is a 160A alternator compared to the 110A stock alternator. I run some accessories and a 5th wheel camper 90% of the time, so a higher output alternator was the right call for me. If you want a better alternator, the Leece Neville is what I would recommend, the QS has declined in quality and customer service.
The other day I hooked the batteries back up to the truck after doing some electrical work. They were disconnected for about 2 weeks during the freezing temperatures across the entire country. The voltmeter read 12.9 right after connecting them and being off the charger for the 2 weeks of freezing. Odyssey Extreme AGM are nice batteries too, but don't get them from Batteries+ because they are too pricey.
The starter you linked at CNC Fab is the one I have, although it is a great unit and I have no regrets, if I were doing it again I would try the 6.7L starter swap if the price was right and the parts were OEM. Check it out in the 7.3L PSD Tech Folder. Denso makes a very nice starter and as you heard it does a great job. There is a rebuild kit for it for cheap, so that is the last starter I should ever need to purchase.
I too love my country and despite our problems within, still have great pride in what we stand for, in our hearts.
The other day I hooked the batteries back up to the truck after doing some electrical work. They were disconnected for about 2 weeks during the freezing temperatures across the entire country. The voltmeter read 12.9 right after connecting them and being off the charger for the 2 weeks of freezing. Odyssey Extreme AGM are nice batteries too, but don't get them from Batteries+ because they are too pricey.
The starter you linked at CNC Fab is the one I have, although it is a great unit and I have no regrets, if I were doing it again I would try the 6.7L starter swap if the price was right and the parts were OEM. Check it out in the 7.3L PSD Tech Folder. Denso makes a very nice starter and as you heard it does a great job. There is a rebuild kit for it for cheap, so that is the last starter I should ever need to purchase.
I too love my country and despite our problems within, still have great pride in what we stand for, in our hearts.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 9,399
Likes: 188
From: Norco,CA
Sgt Nick, This year I was up in Wyoming when I had a bad battery. Couldn't find the Interstate one's I wanted for a good price so I went to NAPA. They didn't have the top of the line battery but the next one down. Let me tell you, it turns my stock starter over way faster then it use to do. Someone said they make better batteries in the cold county and I believe it. You are in a cold place so I would give them a try. They are free replacement for a couple years so nothing to lose.
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 2,907
Likes: 788
From: Kinnula,Finland
Good set of minimum at 850cca batteries,new starter(cheap will do), good cables with clean connections and healthy GP system.
Thats it,nothing fancy or expensive ain't needed to make these engines spin fast and start up.
Thats it,nothing fancy or expensive ain't needed to make these engines spin fast and start up.
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