351m starter replacement
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351m starter replacement
Hi folks I have a '77 F250 4X4 with a 351m, m.trans.The starter seems to be weak and i want to buy a new high torque unit for it. I could put a reman on it but from what i've read on this site, i would do beter with a new one. I have trouble with warm starts only. I cleaned all the connections and checked/ by-passed the relay. When I was doing my compression test, there were times it wouldn't even turn it over, minimizing the results from my test. I did the old bang on the starter trick and it seemed to get better for a while. It's still not reliable enough. as a last resort i can remove the vacuum line and it will give it just the edge it needs to turn slowly over. Does anyone know where i can get one of the new high torque starters for this unit? Thanks A bunch S
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Thanks for the info on summit......battery is brand new.(that's where this all started) timing is a little retarded from the emissions tag which was 14 deg. Seems like this is incredibly advanced but? as I mentioned same symptoms when performing a comp test..I used a remote start/ plugging switch which eliminates the ignition system from the equation. thanx S
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Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Blacksburg, VA
For what its worth, I just bought a new Ford remanufactured starter from the 7.5L 92-96 F-350 for $21 on ebay. The starter for these 460 engines is a high torque one with the built-in solenoid. I've heard good things about this upgrade for our engines. Might be worth looking into...as someone else stated, the high torque starters usually don't have a good warranty, whereas you can by a reman F-350 starter for around $100 at Advanced Auto with a lifetime warranty (or much cheaper on ebay).
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2002
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From: chicago burbs
the biggest problem i've run in to starter-wise is that the negative battery cable connection to the block craps out. sometimes the cable itself craps out. if this is the case changing the starter isn't going to help at all, except to lighten your pocket.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Montana Territory
A 460 one will work, but you have to do a little rewiring. The bolt for the negative on 351M/400s is right in front, swtiching it to the back of the block or to a bellhousing bolt will improve continuity and give you more power to turn the starter.
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Thanks everyone for your input. I decided to take Mats72's advice and go for the guaranteed reman unit. I also replaced the paltry #6 starter wire with a #2. SO far it seems to work great. No more worries about if it will start when it's warm. I cleaned all the wire connection points as well......Happy Cruisin' Steve
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Montana Territory
I sold auto parts for quite a while... I always got GM starters back for a burned up solenoid, the only Ford ones I got back were for broken gear drives or springs. Replacing the starter cable is a good idea as they often corrode down the middle of the cable, and it might look good on the ends, but be just a bend away from breaking.
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2001
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From: Delaware
Replace the Battery and starter cables with #2 AWG cables. This is a common problem when there is too much resistance in the cables. The cheap auto store cables are #4 AWG and can cause this problem.
Also make sure the connections are clean and tight.
Check for hot connections. High resistance connections will get hot when trying to start.
Also make sure the connections are clean and tight.
Check for hot connections. High resistance connections will get hot when trying to start.
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