starter won't crank

[jawbreaker]

I have a 97 12er that's not starting. Started up fine cold in the morning, then after driving to get fuel and resting for a couple hours it would only click when I turn the key. Batteries are only a couple months old, and the starter has close to 300,000 miles on it, so I figured that to be the culprit. I banged on it a few times with a hammer, climbed inside, and it started right up. Shut it down and tried to start again, and I'm only getting the click.

Bought an Autozone remanufactured starter and put it in tonight. Just the same "click" with a turn of the key. Any ideas?

 

[Ozymandias]

If it only clicks - are your batteries dead in that moment?
If not check all the wiring from the batterys to the starter on the plus side and the ground leads to the block to.

The whole starter system is hard wired so it is usually easy to fin the issue.

 

[DavidC]

Sounds like the classic starter contacts. Foster truck sells contacts, rebuild kits and I believe the whole starter.

Dave

 

[GAmes]

Most of the parts house starters are low quality and do not have the capabilities of a Denso. I'd go back to that AutoZone and try to get my old starter back. If successful....http://www.fostertruck.com/ If not, they sell starters made for Cummins too.

 

[Ozymandias]

Sounds like the classic starter contacts. Foster truck sells contacts, rebuild kits and I believe the whole starter.

Dave

He already installed a new starter.
Problem persists.

 

[DavidC]

He already installed a new starter.
Problem persists.

OOP's, missed that one.

Dave

 

[PBJ2500CTD]

Check the battery connections. If they were loosely connected when the batteries were changed they can arc at the connection and cause a bad connection. Try cleaning the connecting surfaces and re-tighten. While you are at it check the batteries. One, or both may be bad.

 

[DavidC]

This is a 99 but I imagine 97 uses the same system. Might try the starter relay in PDC.

Dave

 

[JR]

Is this an automatic? Does it start in neutral?
As Dave says, check out the starter relay in the PDC. It seems as though there is another circuit in there that uses the same relay, like the headlight relay or something. Swapping it out with a known good relay is a quick and easy way to test it....or you can use a voltmeter if you have one.