7.3 troubles

[GeauxStroke]

So I kept blowing #28 fuse (30 amp) and I unplugged the Fuel Heater. The element was bad so I ordered a new one. Now my batteries wont read any more than 11.8 on a volt meter. Truck won't turn over. Is 11.8 V not enough to turn over the 7.3L? Also does anyone know the location of my starter?

1999 F350 7.3L

[roadtripghost]

first recharge your battery! 12.6V is fully charged…12.2V is 50% charged and 11.7 is discharged. 7.3 also have a relay/solenoid, against pass side wall above right finder well, make sure you have power there then follow wire down to starter…When the ignition key is turned to the START position, current flows through the relay and energizes the starter's solenoid coil. The solenoid plunger and clutch shift lever are activated and the clutch pinion engages the ring gear on the flywheel. The switch contacts close and the starter cranks the engine until it starts. when a fuse blows it’s because its pulling to much amps… usually because of a short to ground, in this case you think its your element. make sure your cap on the fuel filter is not leaking. I have worked on some where fuel leaks and wets the connector to your fuel heater shorting them out. also make sure u didn’t disconnect your oil sensor to the right of you heater. that will cause it not to start.

[GeauxStroke]

Originally Posted by roadtripghost

first recharge your battery! 12.6V is fully charged…12.2V is 50% charged and 11.7 is discharged. 7.3 also have a relay/solenoid, against pass side wall above right finder well, make sure you have power there then follow wire down to starter…When the ignition key is turned to the START position, current flows through the relay and energizes the starter's solenoid coil. The solenoid plunger and clutch shift lever are activated and the clutch pinion engages the ring gear on the flywheel. The switch contacts close and the starter cranks the engine until it starts. when a fuse blows it’s because its pulling to much amps… usually because of a short to ground, in this case you think its your element. make sure your cap on the fuel filter is not leaking. I have worked on some where fuel leaks and wets the connector to your fuel heater shorting them out. also make sure u didn’t disconnect your oil sensor to the right of you heater. that will cause it not to start.

Thanks. Charged the battery. Fired up fine. Ran it for about 10 minutes in the drive and tested it while running with a volt meter. It was losing power. Went to the auto store and bought a new alternator. That has to be it. Also the Speedometer is not working. All fuses working fine. I unscrewed the bolt on top of the rear axle and unplugged and cleaned off the magnet. Still not working. Any suggestions? I started having all of these problems after a hella snow storm.