Do you think it's the starter?

[Atrox Caeda]

I think my starter is bad, what do you guys think? My rig had some issues cranking over for a couple weeks now. I would turn the key and it would just sound like a single "DUNK" near the starter. I would turn it back off then return it to the on position and then I could get it to crank over. Now it's not turning over at all. Still makes the "DUNK" sound like a very large relay but regardless of how many times back and fourth I go, it never turns over. Sound like the starter? I had originally attributed the issue to the battery, mainly because while wheeling a few weeks back the battery tray and harness came loose, allowing the battery to slide into the engine block. It was like that for a little while as I didn't notice right away. I fixed it and then didn't have any issues for a while. Then the whole not cranking over thing started. I'd like to hear what you guys think before I go get a new starter and then try to put it in.

 

[ChildrenOfBodom]

I haven't had this issue before, so take this with a grain of salt, but I'll toss out the starter contacts.

Do a quick google search, there's tons about the contacts and how to replace them.

 

[Socco]

Yep, sounds like the starter solenoid is energizing (Dunk.) Starter contacts are not difficult to change, I changed mine without removing the starter from the truck.

 

[Atrox Caeda]

Exactly what you guys said. I took out the starter, which is a bit of a PITA, then put in some new contacts, cleaned up the plunger a little, re-installed starter and it started right up! Total time was about 1.5hrs.