Starter problems

[scottmcd]

I think my starter is starting to go south on me. Some times it starts fine, others like today at the bank drive thru, it left me stuck for a couple of minutes. It wouldn't start at all. I had full power, but no clicking or any sounds. Later tonight it did nothing for about 8-10 seconds then caught and started. Stopped at store to get milk and it tried, then did nothing for about 4-5 seconds then fired. I have never had it do this before.



Batteries are new, less than 3k on them, but 223k on truck. Fresh tank of fuel w/ Standidyne in the tank.



Runs fine other wise, plenty of power.



Just hate the thought of her leaving me stranded somewhere!!!



TIA, Scott

 

[HBarlow]

The contacts eventually burn out in all of them. Your starter can be replaced or rebuilt by a qualified rebuilder.

I am not certain he is still in business but a vendor named Larry B used to advertise in TDR and all TDR members knew of him. He sells or did sell high capacity contacts that were more durable and lasted longer.

Try a search for LarryB.com or look in your latest issue of TDR magazine.

I will have my starter rebuilt with Larry B's parts in another year or so.

 

[HBarlow]

I found this in a TDR search.

"LarryB's sells the heavy duty replacement contacts if that is the problem and you can wait on shipping. 253-272-1444. "

He is reputable and his parts are excellent last time I used them.

Come to think of it, his parts may even be available through Geno's.

 

[scottmcd]

So it isnt abnormal to have the starter go after 223K miles?

 

[scottmcd]

is it fairly easy to replace the starter on the 04?

 

[HBarlow]

So it isnt abnormal to have the starter go after 223K miles?

Nope. Starter service life depends much more on the number of short trips or starts than on miles traveled.

 

[JFought]

short trips here... factory one died about 50K!! no waring!!! had to get towed... dam. i am still mad 3 yrs latter. By factoring down time, it was almost cheaper to get it towed, and buy a starter then wait 3 days at the dealer (weekend). It got towed.

 

[SRadke]

Next time it does that, throw it in neutral and let the clutch pedal move slightly while holding the key to start. I've seen clutch safety switches fail.

-Scott