wont crank sometimes

[steelheadguy]

I have a 86 f350 6.9. Recently I'll turn the key and it won't start. I'll then rock the whole truck side to side and it starts right up. Sometimes I barely have to rock it, maybe even just rock the steering wheel.

I suspected a loose wire somewhere near the starter because I just replaced the block heater cord after getting shocked by the old one. The block heater is right above the starter so I thought maybe I loosened something by accident. But everything seems tight and when it does start, it sounds like a healthy starter.

Also sometimes when I do get it started the key sticks and I hear the horrible starter grinding noise until I flick the key back.

I was readin a thread about others having the same loss of electrical power but I can't seem to find it again.

 

[madpogue]

Do you hear any click, either a semi-loud "Click" from around the passenger-side fender or a louder "CLICK!" from down lower, when you turn the key and it doesn't crank?

Automatic or manual transmission?

 

[steelheadguy]

Yes I do remember hearing a click. In not sure from where.

So I am not rocking the whole truck. Just lifting up the steering wheel and it starts right up.

 

[madpogue]

Is the wheel/column loose? Does that have an impact on the movement of the key?

Automatic or manual transmission?

 

[steelheadguy]

Manual. Yes the steering wheel and column can be easily moved.

 

[steelheadguy]

My key is sticking in the crank position. Of I dont notice it right away it will sometimes grind other times not. Then I flick it back to running position.

 

[madpogue]

Hmm, just speculating, but I wonder if, with the loose column, the rod between the key cylinder and ignition switch isn't pushing the switch far enough to close the START contacts, and lifting the column moves the rod a little, just enough. I'd slide under the column and look up, while moving it, see if it's not just a matter of some bolts come loose.

Are you using the wheel to pull yourself into the cab? I've read on other forums that this can wear the bearings in the column.

 

[steelheadguy]

Yes. I forcefully grab the wheel and pull myself up into the cab. Doh!

 

[riotwarrior]

Sounds like the column and switch rod and switch...or any 1 of those 3 parts....

 

[madpogue]

Get yourself some running boards. We have 'em on two of our three trucks, and I have to sorta smack my own hand getting into the one without, to keep myself from grabbing the wheel to pull myself in. Finally got a crusty old set on CL, just gotta get a warm day to install 'em.

 

[steelheadguy]

Sorry to leave everyone hanging. This problem is resolved.

Just had to lower the steering column and replace the ignition switch.

The spring in the switch was broken. Tightened up the steering wheel and now all is well.