starting problems

[hdjeff]

Well, its been getting harder to start over the past 2 weeks. every time i go to turn it over, it cranks longer and weaker. Figured it was the batteries since they were old and the cold weather we have been getting here was just finishing them off. it doesn't matter whether or not i plug in the truck, i plug it in when it goes 40 or below so i can have heat before i get to work. The past 2 days its been so weak i didn't think it was going to start at all. I went to the sears and got 2 new diehard batteries rated at 875CCA each. Installed and nothing. drove around for an hour and went to fuel up and it almost didn't start at the gas station, it just cranked very very slow and finally fired up. So the voltage is good( reading normal ), glows are decent, batteries are brand new, alternator is charging. So my guess now is the starter. any ideas. how hard is it to change? seems simple, have done them on other cars but not a diesel. thanks for the help.

 

[DozerDoug]

It sure sounds like the starter. I'd get it changed as soon as possible. It isn't hard to change at all. No different then any other starter really. If you can find one get a gear reduction starter. I don't have one but I've been told they are the trick.

 

[ltfox]

Really pretty simple to change. The top bolt is a pain in the arse. Just get a long extension and ya can get it. My 94 did the same thing...till it finally left me. Luckly I had a buddy their to pull start me so I got home. Gook luck!

 

[RoReRi]

Before you go to the trouble and expence of a new starter, like someone I know...
Try checking the big wire going to the starter. The nut that held the cable on was just a little loose and over time had gotten hot and burnt in places, causing the EXACT same problem as you described.
In fact it left me stranded at my son's work place.

Thats how I found the problem. The guys there crawled under the truck and started pulling on the wire and she fired up just as pretty as you please.

I changed out the bolt and copper washer, and all is fine for the last year or so.

Anyone want to buy a good used starter???

RoReRi

 

[hdjeff]

ok, i will check the wires. i'm pretty sure this is the factory starter since everything on this truck has been factory parts. just a pain in the butt. hte battery cables and post are very clean also. just follow the wire from the starer solenoid?

 

[RoReRi]

Just scoot underneathe the passanger's side of the truck and find the starter, there is only one big wire connected to the starter...

Good luck!!!

RoReRi

 

[hdjeff]

ok thanks

 

[hdjeff]

ok, so i took off the wires and cleaned them. they were a little corroded but not that bad. still seemed to crank slowly, but the weird thing is that the more i stop and start the truck the faster it seems to crank and start like it used to when i bought it. but if i let it sit for a few minutes, it cranks slow and eventually fires withing 4-6 seconds. edit: just let it sit for 15 min and it was slow to crank as before i cleaned the contacts. is there anything else that could cause this. i dont think the solenoid would do this. the batteries are brand new. so i guess i will get the new starter. bummer.

 

[DaveBen]

Are the batteries rated for your truck?? Do you have the cranking amps to start your truck? You will need something on the order of 800 CCA (cold cranking amps) from each battery for good starts. Nothing less will do.

Dave

 

[hheynow]

If you wind up needing a starter this ebay seller is tops in my book.

7.3L PSD starter $89.99

high torque 7.3L PSD starter $149.95