Ahoy forum-goers, we're stuck MID-trip across the country in frosty Lansing Michigan with a starter problem that's probably a no-brainer for most of ya'll...
Got a 1997 International 3800 DT4663. As it goes on the cold start this morning:
- 1) neglected to put the block heater on overnight/in the morning
2) tried cranking a few times before eventually losing battery power. ALMOST made it to ignition!
3) plugged in the block heater, hooked up our truck via jumper cables and let go for an hour...
4) cranked, got it to start, and unfortunately didn't balance the gas pedal right and it conked out
NOW the beast ain't turning over. I'm getting electrical power, but when I turn the key to the right after the 'Warn Engine' light goes off, I only get one click and no other response. It
*seems* like it wants to fire, and that one interrupted start has become particularly frustrated.
Called Good Sam and they sent a fella out who suggested that we get a 24v charger (erroneously, I think, as our system is 12v, right??) While he was here we tapped on the starter a bit and tried to crank but to no avail. It's 12:30 am now, cold as heck, and the block heater is on with a 2 amp charge. I'm sure I'm getting full battery power, but still only one click from the starter. Is it 'locked' somehow?
What should I do? Ack. Help! Desperately trying to head south and having a real harshed day. Supposed to get above freezing tomorrow, so hoping that might do something.