getting harder to start
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getting harder to start
I have a 99 F250 superduty with the 7.3L diesel. Just a couple days ago each time I started the truck it became harder and harder to start. I have new batteries (6 months old) and so I figured it was the alternator. I had it tested and it failed so I bought a new (not refurbished) alternator. Before starting again I put a charger on the batteries. After all this it still struggles to crank. When I hook up a back up battery to start the truck it cranks and starts fine. Can anyone tell me what else could be wrong?
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,097
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From: Minnesota
FWTW, I had the same problem with my 2000 x with a 7.3, i ended up putting new valve cover gaskets on and new under valve cover wireing harnesses in and also new wireing harness plugs that go into the valve cover gaskets on the exterior. Not saying this is your issue but all of a sudden the truck would not start. Unplug the wireing harness that plugs into the valve cover gaskets and look at the plug real good for any green corrosion. Just one thing to look at.
Good luck!
Good luck!
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Texas
Harder to start as in it cranks longer, or the starter spins the motor slower? If adding a 3rd battery lets the truck crank normal, after getting the batteries load tested, don't forget to check and clean all the cable connections. (remember there are 2 ends to each cable).
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From: Vacaville, Ca.
Harder to start as in it cranks longer, or the starter spins the motor slower? If adding a 3rd battery lets the truck crank normal, after getting the batteries load tested, don't forget to check and clean all the cable connections. (remember there are 2 ends to each cable).
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Ok. So I had the batteries load tested and both are above 1300 Cold Cranking Amps. Obviously not a battery issue. So I looked into the cables more and the cables appeared to have corrosion going back beyond the insulating sheathing. I had new positive cables made (2 gauge between the batteries and 1 gauge from teh battery to the starter) by Interstate Battery. I installed the cables and now when I hook up the cables to the teminal posts something (I think it is the starter) starts spinning. Tried hooking up negative first and then positive and also positive first and then negative. Either way when I hook up the second cable there is a spark and then the sound of a motor whirring. All I did was change the positive cable between the two batteries and the starter. I didn't toush any other cable. Any other suggestions?
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Cargo Master
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So I figured out that the connection at the starter was the problem. I realigned the connection at the starter and no more problems. I think a part of the crimp on the end of the cable was touching part of the starter housing. It all seems to be well, but still doesn't start like it used to just a week ago. It is still a little weak sometimes. Acts like there is not enough power getting to the starter.
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