Did some last minute shopping yesterday and as I got into the truck I start it with the door open for whatever reason. The truck starts but it sounds like the starter doesnt quit spinning. So I kill it and restart and no more starter sound. Well I get home and get out of the truck while it is still running and I hear this clattering sound that reminds me of an oscilating fan hitting the metal shround around it. It is coming from under the truck around where the engine and tranny meet. Not so loud in the engine bay as it is underneath. Cant figure it out. Seemed to calm down as it idled longer but at restart it is ting, ting, tingin away. HELP!!!!

 

it sounds like you are onto something with the starter, ever have one that did not retract? the noise you described is just what mine sounded like.

 

I have been having constant trouble with the starter contacts. Sometimes I have to turn the key 15 times before the starter will do anything. Should I just get a new starter at this point instead of wasting time with replacing contacts?

 

Im not concerned with the technical difficulty of replacing the contacts, Im concerned with the clatering noise that may be coming from the starter. Could it be that the contacts are making the noise? Or could it be that since the contacts failed, something mechanical in the starter has failed? Guess I will just have to drop it and see. I would hate to replace the contacts on a starter that is not mechanically sound.

 

I agree. Replace the starter. Get a rebuilt starter form a local parts store to get you going again. You can send in the old one and have it rebuilt as a spare if the parts store doesn't need the core.

I think you waited too long to just replace a few parts and damaged the starter with pieces of the contacts floating around. Better replace it.

See my pics for what bad contacts look like.

 

Found a starter on E-bay for $99. I ordered contacts anyhow since I will probably need them in the future. I got two sets of contacts with a new plunger and a gasket for $25.50. Thought that was a good deal. When I drop the starter I'll check it all out and if I can tell that nothing is damaged other than the contacts then Ill replace them and if not then I will just order the new starter. Thanks for the help. The thing is I dont even know for sure if the noise is coming from the starter. With my luck the torque converter is holding on by one bolt or something rediculous like that.

 

Since you were having trouble with the starter before my bet is it's the starter, but who knows.

Good luck.

Merry Christmas

 

Thanks,

Merry Christmas to All!

 

Well the starter is out. Contacts are completely fried. I dont see or feel anything loose that could have been making the clatering noise unless the plunger was vibrating very violently since the hot side contact was just about eaten through completely. There were copper shavings on the plunger spring about half way down, any thoughts on why? The guy who put those 12 point bolts in there needs a good whippin. Had to use a 2X4 and a bottle jack to get the top bolt loose. Im replacing with regular people bolts.

 

just how many gorilas did cummins have working in there plant in the mid to late 90's?

i know from another post that they had one putting in the starters.

 

I noticed my 98 was making starter noise when i starterd it the other day. I shut it off & restarted, then the noise stopped. Was your noise constant or just a delay after starting?

 

Time to replace the starter contacts.

http://www.fostertruck.com/dodge/default.htm

 

don't replace nothing yet except the starter contacts cause thats cheap and can't do no harm make sure u replace the plunger too of course....check to see if all the bolts on the starter are tight and bolts everywhere for that matter...starters are expensive and these units are tough...should very rarely be a need to replace one

 

i remember when i had a stickign plunger (on the burnts contacts) it was makign a disgusting noise like two engines are runnign at the same time