I have a 98 2500 with the Cummins and the starter stays engaged on occassion. It happened yesterday. I've heard different theories about the true cause. Has anyone had experience with this same problem? I've gotten 10 different answers from 10 different people. Most weren't cummins owners though. Most mechanics just say to replace the starter. Help! I need the truck and don't want to get stranded in the middle of western kansas. I'd be buzzard bait. Thanks.

 

The best thing for you to do would be to pull it off and take it to your local auto store for a free test. If it's bad, IMO it would be a whole lot cheaper to have it rebuilt. You're alwats better off using the original parts when it comes to alternators, starters..etc. Your starter has obviously seen a lot of starts and is due for a overhualing.

If the starter isn't bad, you may need to shim it more or less, you could have worn teeth on the starter and/or fly wheel ???? The starter is easily removed, testing it is where I would start.

 

just went through this with my truck and there is an easy fix from what i can tell the contacts of the solinoid are starting to get burt out the only probem i had was finding someone that could sell me that and not just the hole thing. all parts strores say its nonservisable but id did find a guy in tacoma who manufactures upgraded contacs u can go to his website at www.fostertruck.com/dodge

 

not sure how much a rebuild would be, last time I checked here in Phoenix is was about the same money and more time to have it done....

heres a price from autozone..

http://www.autozone.com/N,16400045/s...eResultSet.htm

napa

http://www.napaonline.com/masterpage...&VehCode=Y

 

the last thing anyone should do is buy a aftermarket starter. They're guarantee for life to break every 6 months. I'm sure a new starter for these trucks are in the $200 to $300 range. OEM is probably twie that. There's no way a rebuild should cost that.

For the age of Otteb's starter, I would have it rebuilt to not only put new contacts in but, the brushes, springs and o-rings can also be changed. You'll pretty much have a new starter.

 

might also need to check the teeth on the flywheel. if they are burred it will hold the starter gear from time to time.

 

The problem with your starter is the contacts in the solenoid are going bad. It is an easy and cheap fix. The hardest part is getting the starter out. Check this site out for the parts. http://fostertruck.com/dodge/default.htm

 

ordering parts in the morning. Sounds good. Thanks for all the input!!!!!!!