Care to guess on a truck problem?

[PSEbowhunter]

Yep, Of course it could be the starter but instead of changing out the first part, I would make measurements. It is SOOOO much easier to test than replace parts.. Lots quicker and cheaper too. The starter would be the last on my list of likely culprits.. Work smarter, not harder guys.

I agree, that's why I mentioned the voltage drop in the beginning. Once the OP mentioned having him replace the starter I figured he could do a little "shade tree" mechanic work and isolate either the wiring or the starter if he's going to take it out a second time. A voltage drop test with a DVM would be the easiest route from the get go but I was not sure of automotive diag'ing background. I only had 7 years as an auto wrench in a dealership and I had to bail. I loved working on cars until it became a chore with dealer politics involved and that really put a bad taste in my mouth. There's no way I could've held on for thirty years.

 

[Kenneth in Texas]

OK UPDATE:

I came home from work and a message on my answering machine. He REPLACED the started with a new one, SAME CLUNK. situation hasnt changed lol.

Good thing is he said he can put a socket on the crank bolt and can turn the engine. I passed everything on to him that has been suggested here but cant get a hold of him to ask anything.

Man this is an oddity least to me!

 

[k0ua]

OK UPDATE:

I came home from work and a message on my answering machine. He REPLACED the started with a new one, SAME CLUNK. situation hasnt changed lol.

Good thing is he said he can put a socket on the crank bolt and can turn the engine. I passed everything on to him that has been suggested here but cant get a hold of him to ask anything.

Man this is an oddity least to me!

No surprise here, Like I said, the starter would be my last likely culprit. Of course all easy for me to say, I only have 40 years of troubleshooting electrical and electronic problems.. Everything is easy if you know how to do it. I still think simple DC electrical troubleshooting, meter reading and the basics of ohms law should be a subject in 8th or 9th grade science class with about a week spent on it.. For the love of Pete, there is so much "garbage" taught to our children, why not teach them something useful?.. Just one thing, that is all I ask.:confused3:

 

[ultrarunner]

What happens if jumper cables are connected direct?

My only Dodge experience proved to be a bad ground to the engine block.

 

[Kenneth in Texas]

What happens if jumper cables are connected direct?

My only Dodge experience proved to be a bad ground to the engine block.

good question and one of a few i will ask when i can get a hold of him.

 

[PSEbowhunter]

OK UPDATE:

I came home from work and a message on my answering machine. He REPLACED the started with a new one, SAME CLUNK. situation hasnt changed lol.

Good thing is he said he can put a socket on the crank bolt and can turn the engine. I passed everything on to him that has been suggested here but cant get a hold of him to ask anything.

Man this is an oddity least to me!

Can't say that I didn't see that coming. I'm with James on this one still. There is a voltage drop somewhere, but for some reason explaining how to check it all through the keyboard is a lot harder than grabbing the leads and checking it.

 

[Kenneth in Texas]

Can't say that I didn't see that coming. I'm with James on this one still. There is a voltage drop somewhere, but for some reason explaining how to check it all through the keyboard is a lot harder than grabbing the leads and checking it.

PSE yes thats true, explaining thru a keyboard to a person that has to pass it on is indeed difficult! Maybe explain it to me like im 4 years old then i will print it out and give to him. Hes not the most mechanically inclined but probably can follow instructions. Me myself will help him but this is about all the real involvement I can handle due to work and family issues. I like this ol' boy and will generally do what I can do to help him as I know he would help me generally speaking. The good news I heard from him on the recorder is that he could turn the crank.

 

[PSEbowhunter]

If he has a digital volt meter (dvm) then he can do some proper testing. Voltage drop tests are pretty simple. Here's a link with pretty good instructions, saves me typing it out and possibly skipping something.
Voltage Drop Testing

 

[Kenneth in Texas]

UPDATE:

Neighbor took every wire come from the battery, positive and negative, any wire that originated from the battery, no matter where it ended. He cleaned every connection and contact point, hit the key and she started up! I asked hi, WHICH wire did it, he said he didnt know because he didnt test everyone he cleaned! So who will ever know which wire, nevertheless hes back in business with his truck. Thanks to all of you that offered up advice.

 

[PSEbowhunter]

Well I'm glad he was able to get it fixed without having to tow it to a dealer.