f350 wont start just one click

[tbaer]

i have an 04 f350 it wont start it just gives one click. i can feel the click coming from the starter so i know the soleniod is working and the batteries both have 12.4/12.6 volts. someone help! i dont want to spend $300 on new batteries only to find out the starter went bad and i dont want to buy a new starter only to find out it was the batteries.

[1978psd]

sounds like the starter to me bud, get a hammer and tap on the starter while someone turns the key. If that aint it the make sure all your terminals are clean and tight and if you have a battery charger plug that into your batteries and that will rule out bad batteries.

[tswaterman]

Sounds like the starter to me too. I had the same thing happen on my boat engine (cummins) but to rule out the battery or cables, put your volt meter on the hot and ground leads at your starter and have someone crank it. You should still have about 11.5 volts or so under a load if the batteries and cables are still good, which means your starter needs replaced. If you don't have 11.5 volts at the starter do the same thing at the batteries. If you have 12 volts there but not at the starter under a load (while cranking) then your cables have corrosion in them and are not passing current.

[tbaer]

well i changed out the batteries for some red tops and still the same thing. the starter would have to be getting power because the solenoid is working ..right??? the click is coming from the starter it seems like it is throwing the bendix out but the starter is not spinning at all. where is a good place to get a starter i really dont feel like being raped by ford dealership

[tswaterman]

Just because the starter is engaging doesn't mean it has enough voltage to crank. That's why I suggesting testing the voltage under a load. But it sounds like the starter because if you didn't have enough voltage it would give you a series of clack...clack..clack..etc...not just one click. As for places to buy, I usually purchase starters from a local wholesaler that specializes in starters and alternators. I find that they last longer than the starters that you purchase at a retail parts store like auto zone or pep boy. If I have to buy one from the chain parts store I like the delco's but I'm sure there are 1000 opinions on that. Hope this helps.