Struggling to start
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 142
Likes: 0
From: So Cal Highland
Struggling to start
How often do the starters go out in the 7.3's? A couple of days ago my truck started to drag a little on start up. Has gotten progressively worse to the point that it will not start at all now. Have replaced the batteries. They were just about 4 years old and probably due. However that did not fix my problem. Even with new batteries, and an assist from my charger, it is just turning over at about half the speed I am accustomed to with this truck. Have done all the in tank mods, have an Air Dog II filter to keep it clean and air free. I normally don't have to crank more than about 2 seconds before it starts. Any thoughts?
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 26,966
Likes: 50
From: Texas
Check all the battery cables and connections first. Loose or corroded cables or connections (remember each cable has 2 ends) can cause a dragging starter.
If the cables check out, it's not unheard of for the starter to finally go. Many of us here have had to replace our starter. Most of us comment on how much faster the replacement starter seems to spin the motor.
If the cables check out, it's not unheard of for the starter to finally go. Many of us here have had to replace our starter. Most of us comment on how much faster the replacement starter seems to spin the motor.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 7,191
Likes: 4
From: Blairsville,Ga
My origonal starter lasted about 120k miles before it started getting puny,so I would expect a good starter to last that long
Guess that might depend on how many times a day you start you truck
I replaced it with a DB high torque that's been on about 16k miles
Like Chris said start with cables and connections first,low voltage will kill a good starter
Guess that might depend on how many times a day you start you truck
I replaced it with a DB high torque that's been on about 16k miles
Like Chris said start with cables and connections first,low voltage will kill a good starter
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 142
Likes: 0
From: So Cal Highland
Thanks for the replies guys. Did the cleaning and application of Noalox to the terminals. They didn't really look bad to start with. I will trace all of the grounds and connections tomorrow. Have no idea if the original owner ever had to replace the starter. Truck has over 180k on it, so I guess that would be pretty good for a stock starter. The way it started dragging so suddenly really makes me think it is the starter and not a loose connection. Ray, who is DB? Any other suggestions for after market starters? I know Autozone's is a lifetime guarantee.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 7,191
Likes: 4
From: Blairsville,Ga
The high torque starter here
Ford 7.3 Diesel Starter Powerstroke Truck HT 1994-2003 SND0355 17802: SND0355 DB Electrical Starter-Alternator
Ford 7.3 Diesel Starter Powerstroke Truck HT 1994-2003 SND0355 17802: SND0355 DB Electrical Starter-Alternator
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 142
Likes: 0
From: So Cal Highland
Thanks Ray. Any idea if DB has any west coast distributors? Would really like to fix this tomorrow. Hate not having my truck running. Wife looks at me funny when my truck needs to be worked on again, and again, ............
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 7,191
Likes: 4
From: Blairsville,Ga
As far as I know you order direct.They do have fast shipping but being on the left coast that could still take a while.they are in East Tenn
Trending Topics
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,319
Likes: 1
From: Oregon
Thanks for the replies guys. Did the cleaning and application of Noalox to the terminals. They didn't really look bad to start with. I will trace all of the grounds and connections tomorrow. Have no idea if the original owner ever had to replace the starter. Truck has over 180k on it, so I guess that would be pretty good for a stock starter. The way it started dragging so suddenly really makes me think it is the starter and not a loose connection. Ray, who is DB? Any other suggestions for after market starters? I know Autozone's is a lifetime guarantee.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 142
Likes: 0
From: So Cal Highland
Thanks Ray. I should have read the site before asking questions! Not sure I can wait for it to be shipped out to me.
Hi Mark! I know it is a simple fix, if that is my only problem. Heres keeping my fingers crossed.
Hi Mark! I know it is a simple fix, if that is my only problem. Heres keeping my fingers crossed.
More Turbo
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 636
Likes: 7
From: La Mesa, Ca.
When you are checking the cable connections, take a look at your bolts on the starter. Make sure that they are tight, our trucks are known for getting loose. Loose bolts mean poor ground to starter.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 142
Likes: 0
From: So Cal Highland
Success! It was the starter. I couldn't wait for shipping from DB, so I went with the Autozone. Works fine. At least the old starter did give me about 2 days warning before it gave up the ghost. Thanks for all the input guys, I really appreciate it.
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,319
Likes: 1
From: Oregon
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post