starter or engine froze

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Nov 10, 2006 | 11:13 AM

poffutt

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Joined: Jan 2005

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From: Houston

starter or engine froze

I posted this on the f 150 forum, but they don't answer anybody. Everyone kinda knows me here so if I can present the question to you all. It is very generic so here it is.

I just towed my girlfriends truck over to the house( f-150 97 lariat V6). I tested the battery...it is dead. I bought a new battery...when I turn the key it clicks loud but thats it. No engine turn, the lights go dim. etc.

Could it be the solinoid engaging the starter, but the starter is broke?

Or do you think the engine is froze up and the starter cant turn it?

All I know, is the last person who drove it...made it to the store. then he couldn't start it. After trying a while it started up...he made it home and it would never start again. It has been sitting for 6 months.

Any thoughts?

Nov 10, 2006 | 11:28 AM

460srule

Junior User

Joined: Sep 2005

Posts: 95

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What an opportunity to drop in a 460! Sounds like the starter is drawing power.Try turning engine by hand,but I think the starter needs repair.Could be just a bad starter-drive(can sometimes be dislodge by tapping the starter) or might be electrical problem in starter.

Last edited by 460srule; Nov 10, 2006 at 11:32 AM.

Nov 10, 2006 | 05:01 PM

dwoodler

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Joined: Dec 2004

Posts: 460

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From: Edmonton, Alberta

I agree with 460srule - the starter is probably pooched. Pull it out then attach the pos of a booster cable to the pos lug. Then while holding it down solidly under your foot or a vice (it will give a hell of a jerk if it engages and spins) put the neg to one of the bolt ears. If it pushes out the helix and spins then its the engine or wiring - if it doesn't do anything except spark - then its the starter.

Nov 14, 2006 | 08:48 AM

poffutt

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Joined: Jan 2005

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From: Houston

Update... the engine is froze. I took out all the spark plugs and poured oil down the cylenders. I got the engine to start cranking with the plugs out, but it was still very tight and rotated very slow. I knew if I put the plugs back in the compression would be to much for how tight the engin is. I poored more oil down it. I let it sit for a day. I came out and tried it again but still to tight to turn very fast. I gave up and put the plugs back in. An hour later I went out and said a prayer and turn the key and it BAM!!! fired right up. Smoke filled the air. Then I brought it down to an Idel after runing it at 2000 rpms for about 3 min. Now I know what is wrong and why it seized up. It has a terible rod knock. My question is what to do now. Should I replace the rod bearings or should I just get a new short block?? What would you guys do?

Nov 15, 2006 | 11:06 AM

460srule

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Joined: Sep 2005

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I vote for the 460.Check out a long block,I know up here they are a fairly good deal.You get all the top end parts,re-surfaced heads other wise you would be using all your old parts.Check pricing,you may not have to pay much more than the short block.You might have to re-surface your heads so add that to the price of the short block for truer comparison.

Jan 17, 2007 | 07:01 PM

AvalancheChaser

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Joined: Mar 2006

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Similar problem

I have a similar problem:

95 Bronco 5.8L

I went out the other morning to start the rig, but when the key turns, the starter doesn't turn the motor...just a loud click. I got underneath and had my girl try to start it. When the key turned there was a spark, but no turning of the starter. I had the key left on, and jumped the poles with a screwdriver and the starter DID spin, but didn't engage the motor.

Sound like a bad starter to you guys? Suggestions? I will probably pull the starter tomorrow, but it's too cold tonight. I can't even get it in the garage now...

Jan 18, 2007 | 03:08 PM

87hurricane

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Joined: Sep 2006

Posts: 21

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Could be a bad battery connection Avalanche, kind of a weird deal, normally if you jumped the solenoid and the starter spun, I'd say your solenoid or switch was bad. If the starter spun but didn't engage, it could simply be spinning too slow to kick the starter gear into the flywheel. I would start by checking your battery voltage and cleaning your battery connections.