Starting Problem

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Oct 8, 2001 | 05:14 PM

1970f2504x4

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From: Summit, NJ

Starting Problem

Hello all...
Recently my truck developed a new starting problem. I believe it is either the starter or the solenoid. I replaced the solenoid today and the problem still exists. The problem is that when I try to crank it... all I get is a loud sound that resembles an air chisel. Does it sound like the starter went bad? The truck doesn't run that often and this is the first time I ran into the problem. My apartment complex is paving on Wednesday and I have to get my truck out before then... any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

James Kern
1970 F250 4x4 FE360

Oct 8, 2001 | 07:00 PM

tetraruby

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Starting Problem

I'm only guessing here, but maybe the bendix is going bad. It's the mechanisim that pushes the starter gear out so it engages correctly with the flywheel / ring gear. Chisel noise doesn't sound good. If you just want it moved, I had a buddy that used to give his starter a few quick blows with a bat and that seemed to relax the bendix so it would work...just an idea or just push the sucker out.

Oct 8, 2001 | 08:14 PM

1970f2504x4

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From: Summit, NJ

Starting Problem

I think I am going to try to just replace it with a new or rebuilt starter. Unfortunately I don't have the time to attempt to repair the starter itself. I have to have the truck out of the parking lot by Wednesday at 8am (They are repaving the lot). Hopefully a new starter will fix the problem and my truck will be able to be relocated without the aid of a towtruck.

James Kern
1970 F250 4x4

Oct 8, 2001 | 09:54 PM

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From: Brea CA

Starting Problem

Sometimes the solenoid makes that kind of clatter when the battery is low. Have you tried jumping the battery?

Barry

Oct 8, 2001 | 10:03 PM

1970f2504x4

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From: Summit, NJ

Starting Problem

Actually no, I haven't tried jumping the battery yet... it did sit for a while. A friend also suggested making sure all the contacts and grounds are nice and clean. Come to think of it, it had a pretty bad ground at the solenoid.. perhaps my starter is fine. Im gonna check the battery voltage in the morning and clean all the connections... I'll keep y'all posted.

James
1970 F250 4x4

Oct 8, 2001 | 10:07 PM

BigBrownTruck

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Starting Problem

How about making sure your battery and ground connections are up to snuff? The starter grounds to the bellhousing which is grounded to the block which is grounded to the battery. Making sure the grounds are clean and tight and that the positive battery is on good and tight should be tried before replacing parts. This includes a good clean mateing of the starter to the bellhousing. I recently witnessed my old FE starter go bad. I was doing a compression test and using a remote starter standing next to the engine and watched a shower of sparks come out of the backside of the starter.

BBT

Oct 9, 2001 | 12:43 PM

1970f2504x4

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From: Summit, NJ

Starting Problem

Well, I got it started! Replaced all the battery cables (it had exposed corroded cables) and cleaned all the connections. I put the jumper cables on just in case I needed them and the truck turned right over. Thanks again everyone for their suggestions... they certainly helped! I also found out that my 4 wheel drive works when I created a parking spot to get it out of the parking lot. Thanks again...

James Kern
1970 F250 4x4