Another cold start thread

[j.b.]

Hey all, I'm new here

I found the forum while googling around about my current troubles. I've had some really rough starts since the cold weather has set in. My truck is an '02 F250. The starts have been cranking fine, but with some problems (I'll tell you about them in a moment). Batteries are new and I always plug in when the temp is 30f or below. I just had a new fuel filter and overflow valve installed. I am running 15w 40 oil.

What happens is that the starter will crank, but it seems right when the motor wants to start, there is the most godawful sound, like the flywheel is missing about 50 teeth. Then, it will make that sound right when I turn the key again, a time or two, without cranking at all. After that, it will repeat the first pattern of crank-and-grind. Eventually it will start, but I've only had success in temps above -7f.

I haven't had the glow-plugs or relay checked, but I would think plugging in would make them a non-factor here, whether they're working or not. The only other suggestion I've gotten is that the fuel pump may be low on pressure.

Anyone have a similar experience? I'm hoping some of you guys have had something like this happen, so I can tell my mechanic about it when we talk.

[chappy]

It sounds to me like your starter is not fully engaging and when it starts to fire,slips off the flywheel.I think its time for a new starter.And welcome to the org.

[chappy]

You are right about the glow plugs and relay not being a part of it.Now after you get a new starter in,if it gives you problems not wanting to fire then we will help you diagnose it.

[j.b.]

Great, thanks for the advice! I'll be dropping it off tonight or tomorrow.

[NCHornet]

How do you know the cord is good? I have seen my share of cords that are shorted out from all the yanking people give them to unplug them. This is why I recommend everyone who plugs in to do the Marinco mod. It solves this problem. If your BH isn't getting power it will act like bad the GP's or GPR. Proper troubleshooting will save you big$$$

NCH

[chappy]

You missed what he said.The starter does not work properly and he needs a new one.

[j.b.]

Oh, NCH, it doesn't turn over like a cold start or anything. It cranks up strong and rapidly, it's just that it grinds all to hell before it can seal the deal.

btw sorry for sounding like a moron about the starter it wouldn't have baffled me so, if it wasn't cranking okay half the time.

[eab]

Sounds like when the temps go down, the starter solonoid is not "throwing" the starter gear properly, so it is starting to chew up the flywheel. Cheaper to have the starter cleaned / repaired, or replaced than the flywheel.

E

[j.b.]

My hope is that the flywheel wasn't damaged. I only forced a handful of starts, so we'll see.

[NCHornet]

Yeah I missed that sorry, FWIW the factory starters are known to spin the gear on the starter shaft. Hopefully that's all it is and no damage to the flywheel has been done.

NCH