This last weekend I purchased a Ford 750 flatbed that runs a 391 engine. I drove it home and luckily it didn't break down on the 2 hour drive. The next morning it's not cranking and sounds like the starter has gone out on it. Does anyone have any ideas on where I can get a starter for it? I'm going to be checking with the parts stores locally and possibly a Ford dealer but I wanted to get some ideas from you all as well.

Thanks ahead for any help you can offer!

Big Green Machine

 

Welcome to FTE

The same starter for all the FT engines (330 M/D; 330 H/D; 361 and 391) has been used from 1964 thru 1979, so finding a replacement shouldn't be that hard. I'd try NAPA.

I doubt a Ford dealer will still carry one...new or rebuilt, the last year for these engines was 1979.

Original Ford starter part number > >

C4TZ-11002-B > > Ford replaced that number in 1977 with D7HZ-11002-B (Motorcraft SA-713-B)

Before throwing money at the problem by spending $$$, I suggest you verify the bad starter.

A clicking noise (for example) could be caused by the starter solenoid, a weak battery, loose battery cables, corrosion on the terminals, defective starter drive.

Is the starter dragging? The armature may be burnt.

All of the above could cost over $400.00 in just parts alone, and the problem may still exist.

 

Thanks for the input. I definitely don't want to throw money away on it. I've replaced the starting solenoid and it has a brand new battery. I also tried jumping it just in case. The terminals are clean and cables are tight. It's strange because it cranked up very easily the night before. It tries to start turning and then the clicking noise starts and within a few seconds stops and nothing. Then I can wait 5 or 10 seconds and it will try again. It's like it doesn't have enough power to turn the block over but is trying. If I'm not mistaken the fan on it would turn but it appears to only be turning the fan and not the crankshaft meaning the belt is slipping. Even still it's turning the fan very slow (or was anyways). Doesn't seem to turn it anymore. I'm by no means a mechanic but my initial thought was the starter. If it's not that then I'm concerned it's something worse in the engine. How can I tell if it's the starter drive? When you ask if the starter is dragging how can I tell? What steps would you take to try to figure out what the problem is? The truck wasn't used much for the last decade but has been at least maintained. Hopefully it won't turn into too much of a money pit.

Thanks!
Dale

 

Clicking, but everything that is the usual cause has been checked or replaced. There's one other possibility, the ring gear on the flywheel.

If the starter drive is at a location where there are worn or chipped teeth, the drive can't make contact with the ring gear. Then clicking is the result.

One way to see if it's the problem is rock the vehicle back and forth while it's in gear, but that'll be tough considering the size of the truck. You might try cranking the engine with it in 1st gear, clutch out, and see if that motion will turn the flywheel enough to find good teeth.

 

The starter is only 39.00-65.00 depending on where you get it from. The same starter was used on the FE's. Its part 3131 at most parts stores.I just noticed you live in CA I would go to your nearest Kragen and get the starter tested. They also have the best price and warranty.Don't forget to replace the starter solenoid for good measure. Its a 9.00 part and well worth it.

 

It's late, and you must be tired... ...so mebbe you missed my post above.

FE starter = C30Z-11002-C

FT starter = C4TZ-11002-B (D7HZ-11002-B)

What's the dif?

Different brushes, different field terminal & coil.

Kragan & Shucks, both owned by Checker Auto Parts Co.


My cheapskate BIL = VP of Checker.

 

Whats really different about them? When you get remans for a FE the C4TZ is the most common along with the D2AF. Both starters look identical. I have a lot of them laying around for cores maybe I will go tear into them.I just use standard FE starters on all my FT engines.

 

You should know me by now...I type the original Ford parts numbers.

I looked thru the parts lists for the two starters (110.2K = FT & 110.2L = FE), and only found the difs listed above.

1964/72 Ford Truck Parts Catalog on a CD = hipoparts.com / also sold on ebay by same seller.

IMO: Every person that owns these trucks should have the parts catalog.

The illustrations alone are worth the 25 buck price.

A useful and worthwhile investment.

 

Thanks a ton for all the information and advice. I took the starter to Napa and they tested it. It was the culprit. Got it replaced and out the door with only a $55 hit. Not bad. Big Green runs great again. I'll definitely have to get the parts catalog for it. Thanks again for all your help.

 

What part number did NAPA give you?

 

Do the part catalogs for which you speak have medium duty trucks?

 

yes hi-po parts. Link to follow.

 

Here they are: 1948 to 1989

https://www.hipoparts.com/parts-catalogs-videos/