92 f350 diesel StArTer issues! sometimes works sometimes doesnt

[brattzzzzz]

hi i have a 92 f350 diesel motor and sometimes my starter works and sometimes it just wont start almost like the battery is dead

usually after i drive the truck it doesnt startfor a bit!

does this mean i should get a new starter i see some oil on the starter but i dont see where its coming from

should i just grab a new starter or should i get it tested
ive replaced a couple starters before but i dont like waisting money!

also is the pepboys bosche brand good? they are 199 bucks the autozone has a duralast for 149 bucks with lifetime guarantee!

[unclebubbles]

Make sure the problem is the starter before taking it off to test or replace. Check all the battery cables/connections/grounds/posts, and make sure theyre clean and tight. Charge and test the batteries, make sure one of them doesnt have a weak cell(s). Check the starter relay on the fenderwell. Make sure it is energizing when you turn the key. Hook a test light to the small wire on the relay to make sure you have power when you turn the key. Make sure you have power going to the starter from the relay, and the wire on the starter is clean and tight. If this all checks out, have the starter tested. Odds are pretty good that its not damaged too bad yet if it still starts, and can be rebuilt. Price for a rebuild will depend on what they have to do to it. If you go with rebuild from an auto parts store, spend the extra and get the bosch. I have less call backs, and out of the box no gos on them, but if money is an issue, the duralast are ok. Good luck.
Later
Ed

[brattzzzzz]

yea i have optima gel batteries and one of the posts doesnt seem really tight i'll charge them up high and try again

[brattzzzzz]

today i had some problems again

i found the starter relay and when the starter wont go the starter relay clicks very loudly i dont know why

i think the starter relay is out

does any1 have an opinion about this?

[unclebubbles]

The relay is supposed to click when its energized, but that doesnt mean that its working properly. You need to determine if you are getting power to the starter when it clicks. It is an electromagnetic switch. The battery+ wire goes to one side of the relay, and a wire goes from the other side to the starter. When you hear it click, its supposed to complete that circuit, and send power to the starter. Use a test light to see if it is. If the batteries are fully charged, and all your connections are good , and you are getting full battery voltage to the starter when the relay clicks, then its the starter, or possibly a connection at the starter. Make sure all connections are clean and tight. and check the starter mounting bolts. Good luck.
Later
Ed