Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) crap, that starter contact thing doesn't give you any warning

[arthr31]

Hi guys,

thanks for the advice. I think I know what you all are referring to about the clicking sound... Don't think I have that symptom... Berrigan, I haven't heard the grinding gears yet, not that I can remember at least. Now that it is getting warmer, I haven't heard it but once this week. For most of the month of Feb, when I was starting up in the moring it was only in the single digits, or low teens. I definitely get the sound then. However, a couple days this winter it was -10 to -15 and the sound didn't seem to get worse ... So, for now I'll keep an ear out for it getting worse I guess... I'm putting the truck into the shop to have the fuel pump "tuned" so maybe get another opinion again. . Thanks again... -Art

 

[Berrigan]

Maybe the cold weather is causing lubricated surfaces to thicken up a bit and hang, just a thought. good luck, Bill

 

[guns101]

Just so that you guys know, the starter thing is not only a dodge/cummins problem. I have had it happen to several big trucks as well. Nothing like sitting in a nice cold truck at O'dark thirty with a cup of coffee,half awake and crank your truck over,only to realize that it's still cranking after you let off the button... Instant wake up call... lol Amazing how fast you can disconnect 4 batteries when you have to. That 9/16 combo wrench in the map pocket was there for the brake adjustments and battery disconnect.

 

[Joe G.]

There is another potential problem with our starters. The gear is held on with a small clip. If it comes off the gear falls off. If you have an automatic trans it gets jammed between the bell housing and the torque convertor which kills the engine. I helped a friend when that happened to him. We had to remove the transmission in order to retrieve the gear. At least once a year I remove my starter and inspect it for worn contacts and that little clip. If the starter screws have been removed once so they are not factory "gorrilla" tight that job is pretty easy. If the starter gear is not working properly I would pull the starter and take a close look at that clip.

 

[Breed]

I replaced my Starter Contacte from LarryB at 67,000 miles on my 98 12 Valve QC, truck wouldn't start once then wouldn't turn off. I put the LarryB's contact kit and Plunger in the starter, and it has been great since. It was a easy and cheap fix (Less then $35. 00) where the local ******* wanted over $700. 00. LarryB's product is just great. I ordered the truck from the factory in 98 and I love it, works great here in Northern Nevada.