Slow crank at startup

[BrianJ]

So I've noticed a slow crank at start up developing over the last few weeks, with it getting worse the last couple days. Cold, plugged in, or after fully warmed up doesn't matter, still does it. This morning I changed the batteries (original 7+years old, but load tested good about a month ago), and the slow crank issue is still present. I did a forum search and found very little in the way of starters being an issue, but would that be my most likely cause considering the new batteries?



I've changed a few starters out on other vehicles, but mostly older with easy access (like my '66). I use mass transit to commute so don't have access to my truck at the moment, is it easy to change the starter on these CTD's (i. e. easy access, just unbolt the old and rebolt the new with nothing else in the way)? If the most likely cause is the starter I'll just pick one up on my way home and change it out this weekend, if there could be other likely causes I would probably just make an appointment at a shop to have it properly diagnosed. Any input?

 

[Prairie Dog]

The older Cummins would develop a problem like that after the starter contacts wore out . There are better replacement parts that are a fraction of the cost of a whole starter. But, It really can't be turning a whole lot slower because the ECM looks for a minimum RPM before it will allow the eng to start so it must not be too bad.

 

[BrianJ]

Perhaps I should just disconnect the wire from the starter and clean the contacts to see if that helps? Does your typical auto parts store (i. e. advance) carry replacement contacts?



Edit: You're probably talking about contacts inside the starter huh? (obviously I don't know alot about this so bear with me)

 

[seafish]

Here is a link to the uopgraded starter contacts--

LarryB's StarterContacts.com


There is an install link at the top left corner of the page.
People say it takes no more then one hour to replace the starter contacts.

 

[Mikey-KE7LBB]

The wife's '01 was cranking slow and eventually the starter crapped out completely...

Easy enough to swap out with a new one from O'Reiliey's and it was pretty cheap.

It cranks faster than it ever has and starts with a quick bump of the key like my '92 does

 

[BrianJ]

Was the starter, installed a new one and cranks as good as ever. I didn't really have the luxery of waiting for parts to arrive and fiddle around with replacing the contacts in the hopes of getting off cheaper. The new starter was only $140, plus, I am no expert, but the way it sounded I really don't think it was the contacts, a second opinion from a local shop had the same opinion.

 

[rscurtis]

If one of the brushes lost its continuity with the commutator, you would be working on half a starter. That was probably the cause of your issue.