Hey Guys-
I have a 1995 F-250 with the PSD. For the last couple of months I have been having a problem with the truck starting weakly, like the batteries are about to die. Originally I thought this was a battery problem as my batteries were a little over three years old. I replaced both batteries with new ones (850cca each), cleaned and tightened all the terminals and it still seems weak. I checked the voltage at each battery as well as across the batteries and it reads12.69 volts at rest and 14.57 volts with the engine running. I also checked the voltage at the starter and it too reads 12.69 volts at rest. I think(?) this eliminates my cables and alternator from the picture, but I'm not sure. I also checked the oil level in the HPOP and it is full. Could this be a starter problem? The one on the truck is the original but I've never seen one sort of "run down" like this. From my experience they usually give inconsistant starting or just crap out totally. The starter still spins the engine, but weakly. I 'd like to know if there is anything else I should check before I throw $200+ at a new starter. Thanks for all the help you folks have given me over the last couple of years. You guys are the best!
- Duane

 

When I purchased my truck from PO, a co-worker he had the same problem. He first replaced both batteries with same issue. He then replaced the starter and that resolved the problem. I bought the truck. I think your starter is going bad and you will be surprised how fast that thing turns over with a new one.

 

I'd say the starter. The starters in these trucks like to die slowly so even if it still spins fast without a load, you put it on the motor and it doesn't have the torque it needs.

 

That's what my truck did when the starter was going. It never got to point where it failed and quit working on me as I put in a new one before that happened. Got the new one in and bingo what a difference there was in cranking power.

 

Just like StrokerJoe said, BINGO!

 

The bendix gets weak on these and simply wont spin fast enough. These engines require alot of power to spin and they have to spin a certain amount of speed or time to generate enough heat from the compression to start ignition and a weak motor simply doesnt have enough. Also even if you have it tested by an auto parts store doesnt mean its good, they just test to see if its spinning but dont measure it under load to tell how it will do there. Just replace it.

 

Thanks so much for the quick come back guys! I really appreciate your help. My only alternative here is the stealership. I purchased the starter today ( damn! $327.00) I hope to get it installed in the next couple of days weather permitting. I'll keep you posted. Thanks again!
- Duane

 

I just did mine in the parking lot at school today... awesome difference!

 

That is hefty price. I paid about half that when I got mine from Napa, but it took three starters from them before I got one that worked. Needless to say I was getting a little frustrated with Napa, but I sure can change out a starter real quick now. The top bolt on the starter can be a little tricky to get at. I used a deep socket with a one of the finger grip ratchets to get it on and off.

 

Just use a long extension across the top of the starter.

 

i would return that ford starter. go to http://www.dbelectrical.com/Items/sn...0%20%20SND0355 the starter is about twice the size of the stock one, $155 shipped to my door, and got it in 2 days, also no core! it spins the truck over alot faster than stock ones

 

deffinelty, the above mentioned is a high torque starter and are fairly reputable around here, was going to pick one up my self for the hell of it, but someone replaced the starter before i got mty truck, thing is brand new.

 

$327!!!! That is rediculous. I paid $90 for a crapper from Shucks a couple of years ago...

 

I used an SD starter from advanced auto parts. definitely spins the engine a lot faster. the SD starters had more torque than ours did. i would return that starter and either get one from DB or see how much u can get an SD starter for from an auto parts store around there.

 

Thanks for all the info guys! I installed the starter yesterday and the truck starts like a champ! Unfortunately here in Hawaii we are really limited in where we can get parts. This was a remanufactured starter from our local Carquest store. I shudder to think what the local dealership would have charged me for a genuine one. Yeh, we really take a beating on the cost of everything. It's either that or pay some really ridiculous freight charges from the mainland. As far as installation went , I just used an 8" extension and my 3/8 fine tooth ratchet for the top bolt and it went on real easy. Just a note, when I purchased the starter the guy at the parts store said that there are two types listed for the '95 F-250 with the 7.3 Powerstroke diesel. One is a Nippon Denso style with the three mounting bolts and a mounting flange that kind of squares off on the bottom. This is the style on my truck and from what I've read the style on most of your trucks. The other is a Mitsubishi style with a sort of diamond shaped flange and only two bolts. I'm not sure if anyone has come across one of these but I just thought I'd throw that out there since I had to choose between the two. If it's so, just be sure to check what style you have before ordering your starter. Thanks again for all of your help, I wish all of you and your families the happiest of holidays!
- Duane