engine will not crank
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New User
Joined: Jul 2008
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engine will not crank
97 powerstroke diesel, 145,000 miles, automatic tranny 2wd. Nothin special she is just my ol work truck. She has been getting hard to start recently. I thought the batterys were just weak. 2 days ago my brother brings it to me and after about 8 hours I go out to head to work and she wont start. Engine turns over but wont start. Tryed jumping it off that didnt work. So I caught a ride to work and the next mornin to and had the batteries tested both were bad. So I went back and replaced both batteries and ave it a whirl. The started makes a funny kinda noise and doesnt engage. So I pull the starter and have it tested sure enough it went bad. So then I replaced the starter and tried to crank her up. Nothing sounds like the batteries are dead just a clickin sound. So I also replaced the starter relay just in case. She still wont engage the starter. I tested across the starter terminal and she spins. But the engine still doesnt crank over. I am out of ideas? a friend says maybe the new starter is bad too. I really would like to fix this myself but may not be able to please, help?
Thanks,
Will
Thanks,
Will
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,195
Likes: 6
From: Medford Oregon
I've read on here that on some starters the mounting holes are too big. Try loosing the mounting bolts then while pushing UP on the starter tighten and retry. I think you said you could hear the starter spin when testing voltage at the starter??
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 9,236
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From: Senoia, GA
silly question but are all of your cable connections tight and corrosion free? i am battling that right now. i refuse to pay $200 or so for new cables, which i have been needing just been putting it off. so i am going to a golf cart place and get them to make me some cables with 2/0 cable and connectors!
also make sure the mating surface of the starter and bellhousing are both clean and free of debris. the starter does not have a separate ground, instead it uses the bolts and mating surface to complete the circuit.
to me it sounds like the starter just isnt getting the juice that is required to start these hig compression diesels! you need to recheck all your connections and make sure that everything is getting a good ground.
what make/model batteries did you get? just curious as these trucks take a hefty sized battery! i am about to buy (with the gracious help of the guys here (thanks tim!)) two commercial sized batteries that are rated 1125 CCA. i think what comes in these trucks from the factory is only like 850 CCA.
just something to think about
-cutts-
also make sure the mating surface of the starter and bellhousing are both clean and free of debris. the starter does not have a separate ground, instead it uses the bolts and mating surface to complete the circuit.
to me it sounds like the starter just isnt getting the juice that is required to start these hig compression diesels! you need to recheck all your connections and make sure that everything is getting a good ground.
what make/model batteries did you get? just curious as these trucks take a hefty sized battery! i am about to buy (with the gracious help of the guys here (thanks tim!)) two commercial sized batteries that are rated 1125 CCA. i think what comes in these trucks from the factory is only like 850 CCA.
just something to think about
-cutts-
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No I didnt test it out of the truck. I will try that and see in the morning after work. I will also double check all of my connections. Thanks guys.
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Joined: May 2008
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From: OR
She still wont engage the starter. I tested across the starter terminal and she spins. But the engine still doesnt crank over.
No I didnt test it out of the truck. I will try that and see in the morning after work. I will also double check all of my connections. Thanks guys.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2008
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From: Grass Valley, CA
Sounds like the solenoid might not be engaging.
In case you arent familiar with it, the solenoid pushes the gear out and into the flexplate/flywheel, then the electric motor turns it. If you can, take it back and have it tested.
X2 on the batteries. make sure they are each at lease 850CCA... i would like to have 1000 just for the peace of mind.
In case you arent familiar with it, the solenoid pushes the gear out and into the flexplate/flywheel, then the electric motor turns it. If you can, take it back and have it tested.
X2 on the batteries. make sure they are each at lease 850CCA... i would like to have 1000 just for the peace of mind.
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Tested starter it is bad exchanging it today. Starter relay tested good. Both batteries tested good. Still only getting the clicking noise when turning the key to start position. The starter wasnt even spinning when the key is turned. But we pulled her out and put the jumper cables to her and she does spin just doesn't kick the solenoid out. I checked all my big amp fuses they are good. There is a small 10 amp that is burned out in the black box in the engine compartment. I will replace it tonight.
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2008
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From: Grass Valley, CA
Clicking noise often indicates a solenoid issue. if your relay is good, i would think you'll be ok once you get a new one. trace all the connections to the starter and make sure they're ok as well, just to be sure.
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