Slow starts
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 2,322
Likes: 2
From: Dairy, OR
It might just be me but I never purchase a starter without pulling my old one first. That way I can have it tested, if nothing else for peace of mind, and I have it right there to compare against the one they are trying to sell me.
Same theory applies to alternators
Same theory applies to alternators
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 21,285
Likes: 15
From: Nutter Fort, WV
The 4 gauge wire to the starter relay mounted on the fender is fine.
The biggest draw on it is the glow plugs when you start the engine.
If the 54" 1/0 cable is from the passenger side battery to the starter mounted solenoid, I would not waste the money.
In the picture I see the positive cable to the starter, the #4 cable to the fender mounted starter relay, where is the cable from the drivers side battery?
I know the later trucks used 2/0 cable for the entire positve battery cable.
My 86 has 2/0 cable for the cross over cable between batteries, and 3/0 from the passenger side down to the starter mounted solenoid.
If you have a NAPA store, they can make battery cables for you.
The biggest draw on it is the glow plugs when you start the engine.
If the 54" 1/0 cable is from the passenger side battery to the starter mounted solenoid, I would not waste the money.
In the picture I see the positive cable to the starter, the #4 cable to the fender mounted starter relay, where is the cable from the drivers side battery?
I know the later trucks used 2/0 cable for the entire positve battery cable.
My 86 has 2/0 cable for the cross over cable between batteries, and 3/0 from the passenger side down to the starter mounted solenoid.
If you have a NAPA store, they can make battery cables for you.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 238
Likes: 0
Ok, Starter will not be in till Monday. So I went ahead and replaced all the battery cables. Now there is 1 gauge cable everywhere. With the exception of the pass side ground cable it looks to be in great condition. I think it has been replaced somewhat recently. It is a factory cable too!
That is a 4 gauge cable running to my fender mounted solenoid to the positive side of the passenger side battery. (not driver side) I did have a 4 gauge running positive to positive but now its 1 gauge.
I also replaced the fender Solenoid as well. But with all that done, it still starts slow.
Is motorcraft the way to go as far as the starter goes? Or is there another brand that is better?
That is a 4 gauge cable running to my fender mounted solenoid to the positive side of the passenger side battery. (not driver side) I did have a 4 gauge running positive to positive but now its 1 gauge.
I also replaced the fender Solenoid as well. But with all that done, it still starts slow.
Is motorcraft the way to go as far as the starter goes? Or is there another brand that is better?
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Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 21,285
Likes: 15
From: Nutter Fort, WV
I run a Mitsubishi Gear reduction starter in mine.
Bought the original many years ago at NAPA with a lifetime warranty for a bit over 400 dollars.
I think right now I am on starter number 5 that has been replaced under warranty.
Best 400 I ever spent.
My battery cables are all 2/0 and 3/0 except the passenger side positive to glow plug relay to dump bed circuit breaker to snow plow circuit breaker to alternator output cable which is all #2 now.
Bought the original many years ago at NAPA with a lifetime warranty for a bit over 400 dollars.
I think right now I am on starter number 5 that has been replaced under warranty.
Best 400 I ever spent.
My battery cables are all 2/0 and 3/0 except the passenger side positive to glow plug relay to dump bed circuit breaker to snow plow circuit breaker to alternator output cable which is all #2 now.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 238
Likes: 0
Well I went to start the truck this morning and it was barely turning over. So I got the battery charger out and the batterys where just over half charged. So I charged them for about an hour and they were full. Tried to start and it was quicker turning over for about 4-5 seconds (not fast like it use to be ) then slow again. It wont even start now. So since I need the truck for tomorrow I have to go buy one from the "zone". at least it has a lifetime warranty.
