1999 E 350 7.3 Powerstroke starting problem.

[BMWBILO]

Hello everyone.
Does anyone have experience with starting problems with a 7.3
Powerstroke van? A couple weeks ago I came home from work
and parked my van in front of my house. About 30 minutes later
I went out to move it and it wouldn't start. I could hear the normal
noise it makes while I wait for the wait to start light to go off. When
I turned the key to the crank position nothing! Not even a click. I
wiggled the shifter back and forth and kept trying to start it. Nothing.
Waited a while and then it started right up. Pulled it in my carport and
shut it off. Went to start it and nothing again. Checked the under hood
fuse box and removed a 60 amp fuse that deals with starting. Fuse was
good so I reinstalled it. Van started right up. I started it about a half
dozen times with no problems. Van started fine for a week. Stopped
today to grap something got in the van and nothing. Took a look at
the battery cables and the positive seemed a little loose. Undid it, cleaned
it, and the van started. Went to another store and when I got out nothing
again. Again removed the 60 amp fuse, battery cable and this time it
wouldn't start. Dicked around with it for about 20 minutes and it finally
started. Anyone have any thoughts on this Electrical Gremlin? Sorry
for the long ramble but wanted to give out as much info as posible.
Any thoughts or ideas welcomed. I have owned the van since new.
It is a 1999 model that I've had since October 1998. Steve.

[BroncoHauler]

When it happens, is it always a starting issue, or is it sometimes a stalling issue as well? It could be the CPS (crankshaft position sensor).

Herb

[BMWBILO]

Originally Posted by BroncoHauler

When it happens, is it always a starting issue, or is it sometimes a stalling issue as well? It could be the CPS (crankshaft position sensor).

Herb

Hi Herb.
I had the cam sensor issue when I first got the van.
Had it replaced twice. But it would crank and strart
and then die. Now when it doesn't start there isn't
even a click. The glow plugs cycle and the wait to start light
goes out but when you go to crank the engine, nothing.
I think I had 3 cam sensors in all. The last one was
supposed to be the latest upgrade. Haven't had any trouble
since and it's been installed for quite a few years.

[copescobra]

could it be the starter is not functioning ?

I had the same issue and turned out I had to put in a new Starter. I have an older model for what it is worth…..

[BMWBILO]

Originally Posted by copescobra

could it be the starter is not functioning ?

I had the same issue and turned out I had to put in a new Starter. I have an older model for what it is worth…..

I may have to pull the starter and have it tested.
Not sure if there is a starter soleniod somewhere
in the engine compartment.

[carringb]

There are two solenoids. One on the starter, one on the passenger side inner fender near the battery. This is the one that usually fails. Try jumping the two large terminals with some sturdy pliers (make sure its in Park!). Actually, when it first start acting up a good hard slap to the fender, or just slamming the hood, usually wakes it up.

[BMWBILO]

Originally Posted by carringb

There are two solenoids. One on the starter, one on the passenger side inner fender near the battery. This is the one that usually fails. Try jumping the two large terminals with some sturdy pliers (make sure its in Park!). Actually, when it first start acting up a good hard slap to the fender, or just slamming the hood, usually wakes it up.

I kind of looked for a solenoid but I guess I didn't look
well enough. Do you have to take out the battery to see it?

[schluchtenflitzer]

Easiest way...take a test lamp and check the way from starter back to the ignition key. Where does the starting signal (elektricity power) is or not while starting. You need a second person for this
firts ist Batterie OK?
Than
1: starter solenoid at the starter > yes than
2: starter solenoid in engine compartmend>yes than
3: Key switch

between key switch and solenaid there are also some stuff i did not know in moment (examble cutoff because gear is in)
I own my rig not long enough to know this in moment sorry

But check first the points i told you. I am shure you will find the fault

[JWA]

This all sounds suspiciously like the starter or solenoid is failing after they experience "heat soak", a condition where engine temperature spikes well above normal operating temperature when first shut down. The components then temporarily seize or offer too much electrical resistance simulating an outright failure.

It can be either the starter or the solenoid---I'd follow Schluchtenflitzer's advice to see if the solenoid is passing current to the starter first.

[carringb]

Originally Posted by BMWBILO

I kind of looked for a solenoid but I guess I didn't look
well enough. Do you have to take out the battery to see it?

No, but it is tucked in there tight. Looks like a glow-plug relay but shorter. You can reach the posts with the battery in place but you definitely need to pull the battery to pull the solenoid. Its a squeeze, and more than once I've shorted the pliers to the body trying to jump the solenoid.