Slow cranking starter Freightliner Columbia 2007

Discussion in 'Freightliner Forum' started by bigtire, Jul 11, 2013.

  1. bigtire

    bigtire Light Load Member

    117
    13
    Feb 19, 2012
    Las Vegas, Nevada
    0
    When I try to start the engine in the morning, after a few click-click-click starts, but when the engine is hot the starter doesn't want to crank, I have to try like 5-6 times to get lucky and when finally begins to turn - it is slow... The batteries are new 1100 cca. The alternator is charging 13.6 - 13.8 V. Is that a bad starter? What else to check before buying new one for $350?
     
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  3. Marlin46

    Marlin46 Medium Load Member

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    Mar 17, 2010
    Atlanta, GA
    0
    Do you have a Detroit or MB engine? Assuming it is Detroit, the engine has two crank sensors that are known to go bad every once in a while. The sensors themselves are about $20 / piece - the labor part was a little steep due to some unforeseen problem. May want to check this out first and it should throw a code in the computer if the sensors are the problem.
     
  4. sourdiesel

    sourdiesel Light Load Member

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    81
    Aug 24, 2011
    warrenton,va
    0
    The starter is worn out, had the same problem with my truck. Just replace it! Oh my truck is a 05 century
     
  5. bigtire

    bigtire Light Load Member

    117
    13
    Feb 19, 2012
    Las Vegas, Nevada
    0
    Detroit 14 L 2006 515,

    once the starter start turning it fires up, bad sensors are maybe if the starter is spinning good enough and the engine still not firing up...
     
  6. bigtire

    bigtire Light Load Member

    117
    13
    Feb 19, 2012
    Las Vegas, Nevada
    0

    Yes, I was thinking the starter is worn out, but lets double check before spending $350....
     
  7. QUALITYTRUCK

    QUALITYTRUCK Road Train Member

    1,778
    1,722
    Jun 14, 2009
    romulus,mi
    0
    put a volt meter on battery posts.while cranking,if voltage drops more than 3 volts while "slow cranking" i.e.12 volts to 9 volts,then starter is bad.good luck.sounds like it is.
     
  8. bigtire

    bigtire Light Load Member

    117
    13
    Feb 19, 2012
    Las Vegas, Nevada
    0
    I purchased a NEW starter $324 tax included. Now the truck starts right up. The most difficult part of the job was to remove and put back the 3th bolt holding the starter, between the starter body and the cylinder block of the engine.
     
  9. bigtire

    bigtire Light Load Member

    117
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    Feb 19, 2012
    Las Vegas, Nevada
    0
    I didn't measured with volt meter, but I noticed that every time the starter was turning all the lights inside the truck were blinking ...... So I took that as a sign ...
     
  10. kneegrow

    kneegrow Bobtail Member

    10
    2
    Jul 24, 2009
    ardmore, ok
    0
    Sounds like a bad ground wire. Check all the main ground wires for corrosion.
     
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