Truck will not start
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,233
Likes: 199
From: near Philadelphia Pa
Truck will not start
The truck has been running fine but today took a short ride of about 6 miles, came back to the truck about 3 hours later and when I turn the key and then hit the starter button I get a click from the starter solenoid and that is all. Truck is 6 volt + ground, 226H. Battery is Optima about 4 years old.
Thanks for any help.
Thanks for any help.
Parts Nerd Extraordinaire
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 4,392
Likes: 1,800
From: Western NY
My first inkling would be the starter system - either the starter rested on a dead spot (percussive maintenance may knock it to a better spot), or there is degraded connection (check and clean grounds and power).
If jumping into a starter replacement, be cognizant of the flywheel and starter drive tooth counts to make sure they properly mesh. Don't assume prior service did so.
112 Tooth Flywheel Ring Gear pairs with a 10 tooth CCW starter drive B-11350
114 Tooth Flywheel Ring Gear meshes with a 9 tooth CCW starter drive 8HA-11350
You may not be able to simply rely on what is on the starter in the event that it was erroneously replaced with the more prevent 10 tooth starter drive. Unfortunately, many parts databases cross the 9 tooth part number with the 10 tooth drive. It is believed by many that while a 10 tooth will fit and seem to work with the 114 tooth ring gear, it leads to premature and excessive wear and could be a contributor to the issue you are chasing now.
If jumping into a starter replacement, be cognizant of the flywheel and starter drive tooth counts to make sure they properly mesh. Don't assume prior service did so.
112 Tooth Flywheel Ring Gear pairs with a 10 tooth CCW starter drive B-11350
114 Tooth Flywheel Ring Gear meshes with a 9 tooth CCW starter drive 8HA-11350
You may not be able to simply rely on what is on the starter in the event that it was erroneously replaced with the more prevent 10 tooth starter drive. Unfortunately, many parts databases cross the 9 tooth part number with the 10 tooth drive. It is believed by many that while a 10 tooth will fit and seem to work with the 114 tooth ring gear, it leads to premature and excessive wear and could be a contributor to the issue you are chasing now.
Last edited by bmoran4; Jun 18, 2026 at 07:32 PM.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 16,201
Likes: 4,815
From: Burbank, WA
Let's not overthink this from the get-go. First thing I'd do, Ed, is clean the battery cables, then make sure they're tight. What you described is the number one symptom of corroded and/or loose battery cable connections. Next is make sure your battery voltage is up. Then check for operation of the system. Always start with the most simple and logical.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,689
Likes: 1,472
From: Mendon, Massachusetts
I agree with Wayne. i bet you if clean those battery connections your issue is resolved. Had a similar problem once that left me stranded... mechanic took a flat blade screwdriver and smacked the cable connecter to the battery post.... started right up. Loose & corroded connections / grounds are often overlooked along with battery condition.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 3,917
Likes: 1,198
From: Deerbrook, WI
I agree with Wayne. Loose corroded battery cables can creep up on you. And there you are seemingly stuck when the solution is applying a half inch wrench to a loose connection.
Last edited by 52 USCG Panel; Jun 18, 2026 at 08:22 PM.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 16,902
Likes: 3,141
From: SE Wisc. (the Rust Belt)
After checking the battery connections as stated above and all check out and still doesn't turn over I have another suggestion. Maybe the starter jammed up in the flywheel. I had that happen to my F-2 last year. Drove about 100+ miles, stopped for the night at a hotel. After unloading our stuff we went out to the truck to get something to eat. Hit the starter button, nothing. I think I remember hearing the solenoid click but the starter didn't do anything. The next morning I crawled under the truck and pulled the starter out, it was wedged into the flywheel. Of course the starter fell apart and had to bring it out and reassemble it. Installed and went on our merry way. After I got back from our trip my neighbor said I should have put the truck in gear and rocked to get the get the starter to dislodge from the flywheel. That would have been too easy 
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2011
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Likes: 199
From: near Philadelphia Pa
All is well with the starting issue, rocking seems to have done it BUT now I cannot get the hood open.
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Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 16,902
Likes: 3,141
From: SE Wisc. (the Rust Belt)
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 828
Likes: 153
From: Port Ludlow, WA
When I first bought my truck, I would have to rock it to start sometimes. As time passed, it kept getting worse until I had to rock it about a third of the time. I found that my truck had the "Silent" fiber Cam gear with worn teeth. I replaced it and didn't have it lock up again. (I have the 226)
Last edited by 51fred; Yesterday at 07:50 PM.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 1,368
Likes: 419
From: Monmouth County, NJ
So it was the starter? Does this indicate that starter is getting worse and needs replacing or rebuilding?
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