My truck has a 155K miles, never had a problem with the start before. I have a 2004 super-duty, diesel 6.0

I need help to determine if my starter motor is the cause of some of my recent problems. I put the keys in, turn it on (but not over), wait for the glow plug icon to go away and the others in the dashboard and then turn the key over.

I hear this winding noise coming over from the starter, but nothing else, usually after a few tries then you hear the normal noise that the engine makes when it starts and it does start. I don't have any other problems, runs fine, there is no loss of power or nothing, just during the start.

Where is the starter located ? is this easy to do ? any documentation of this procedure somewhere ?

I recorded the sound with my cell phone, an .mp3, posted to my web site, link:

http://www.kodiaktechnical.com/problems/110507_001.mp3

 

That is so cool to send the sound of the starter.
It is located on the passenger side of the lower side of the engine. If you are contemplating replacing or just removing it , it would be a wise move to remove the battery ground cable from both batteries. You have the cable from the solenoid , the wire from the ign switch and 3 bolts that hold the starter on. Pretty easy to remove.
It does sound like the starter drive is either dry or in need of replacement.
With that many miles on the truck it might be wise to consider replacing the starter with a rebuilt unit since you are removing it anyway.

 

Thanks for the reply!

In a way, I am glad that it is a starter and not something else, knock on wood!

I was looking into starters online, and I seen re-manufactures ones and new ones were only a few bucks extra, and all under $200...

I figured someone has heard this problem sound before and would add value to my description, so I used cell phone, transferred the sound to the computer using blue-tooth and then converted the sound file to an .mp3 using (open source program called: Audacity), I am on Mac.

My trcuk details are: 6.0L V8 32V DDI OHV Turbo Diesel 2004 f250

Does anybody know of some online store I can buy it from and have it shipped to my house ? that would be best for me...

 

what do you guys recommend for a good starter ?

I found this new one of amazon, cheap! $75 bucks!! ?

Amazon.com: New Starter Motor Ford E-series Vans, Pickup, F450, F550 Super Duty, 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 6.0 (363) V8 Diesel: Automotive

wuhhh ?

 

I'm sure we both know you get what you pay for. If you were to purchase a NEW starter for that vehicle from a Ford dealer , the price would floor you. That's why we usually exchange it for a rebuilt starter. The price for one of those is somewhat easier to take.
Having been in this field for more years than I want to remember, has taught me this, if nothing else, If you purchase it locally and it is defective , you can always take it back and get another one. What do you do if this happens when you purchase a starter made in China that you got a GOOD DEAL on and it goes sour?
A decent rebuilt starter for that vehicle will run in the $150-200 range. Could be a little more or a little less. You might check with a few auto parts stores and get an idea of the price range. Depending on who is close and their reputation for rebuilt parts should figure in to your decision on where to get another starter.
I can only say this much for Ford Dealer starters, I never received a bad one.
I'm sure other parts suppliers have good rebuilders too.

 

Thanks for all the advice! Might as well get a good starter, and I don't mind buying it locally. Thanks!

Ray

 

fixed : - ) $220 for a rebuilt one, the core had a $30 value

the first two bolts are easy to spot and take out, but the 3rd was
behind the starter and I had to use a long-extension to remove it.

First I had to remove the 2 wires, so that I had access with my hands to put
in the wrench. It took me an hour to remove it, because I wasn't sure
how to access that 3rd bolt, but it took me 5 minutes to put it back it,
once I learned how that works :- )

Came with lifetime warranty and truck started right away :- )

Thanks for help.

 

Glad to be of help. Now if anyone comes to the forum with a problem such as you had you are more than qualified to help them. Have a good day !

 

ya, and I hope the sound recording will help other people as well

now the truck is awesome once again :- )

 

Some of the problems that are posted here would be a lot easier to analyze and diagnose if sounds were included. We still need to hear some things. Thanks again!