Alright guys. I've scoured the pages and can't find anything like this.
without warning my 04 F 350 6 litre diesel wouldn't start.
All I get when I turn the key is a lot of clicking and stuttering.
I've never heard this before.
I've tried boosting and charging the batteries plus checking connections, etc. and nothing helps.
I've tapped on the starter while someone cranks it.
I had the truck towed home so I could charge the batteries again but now I'm thinking its the starter.
Anyone else with this problem?
Is it the starter or something else?

 

if the batteries are dead one truck is not enough to jump it off. I would charge both batteries and see what happens

 

Fair enough. I've got the other one charging now.
But the main question was: What does the clicking and stuttering sound I'm getting signify?
If the batteries are fully charged (as they were before this happened) would that be just a starter that did not want to work?
Does a starter ever give any warning before giving up?
I've never had this before with any vehicle so I'm drawing a blank.
Anyone?

 

I have an idea what you mean by clicking. I don't know what you mean by stuttering. But no worries because a lack of understanding never stopped me from giving advice!

A "click click click click click...." with little to no engine cranking is most likely due to discharged batteries (low voltage). The clicking noise is the starter solenoid cycling in and out, and stumbling during engine crank is due to insufficient battery power to turn the cranking motor.

It doesn't take much power to operate the starter solenoid but it does take a decent amount of power to operate the cranking motor that spins the engine. The starter solenoid pulls in easily and engages the high current cranking motor. But as soon as the batteries are placed under the high load of the cranking motor the system voltage drops so low that the solenoid drops out and starter motor turns off. With no load from the cranking motor the system voltage goes up again and pulls in the solenoid again..... repeat over and over and you get clicking and stumbling. If batteries are so weak that the engine cannot spin then you just get rapid clicking.

Solution is to recharge or replace your batteries, whichever is necessary. Deeply discharged batteries can take a while before accepting a charge. Place them on a slow charger for 12 or more hours to see if they come back. If the batteries don't take a charge, or discharge quickly again, then just replace all your batteries at the same time. You also have to hope the starter wasn't damaged during all your start attempts. Opening and closing high current contacts inside the starter motor produces electrical arcs that ruin the contact surfaces. You could very well end up with intermittent starter problems now. Again, just let time prove this out one way or the other. I wouldn't spend money on a new starter just for a "what if" scenario.

 

Thanks for the post.
I've got the charger now on the other battery will give them both a good long charge before I spend, what will probably be, a bundle on a new starter. ( if needed)
I appreciate everyone's input.
Its good to have a place to go and talk about our vehicle issues; good or bad.

 

I would also check your oil level to ensure it is full. Your truck requires oil to fire the injectors and if there is not a good amount of pressure then you can have issues there as well. But I'll bet it is the batteries.

 

Glad to help. You found a good site to talk about your Ford truck.