Best Starter for 7.3 Powerstroke: Our Top Choices Reviewed

Any truck enthusiast knows there are many reasons to be proud of the 7.3 Powerstroke. After all, it is one of the leading diesel truck engines on the market. However, to get the engine cranked over, you will need the best starter for 7.3 Powerstroke trucks.

Without this starter, your engine does no good. To help you find the right choice, we evaluate the 7.3 starter options. From budget-friendly options to long-lasting models, we have the one that’s right for your Ford truck.

What is a 7.3 Starter?

The starter is a device that cranks or rotates the internal-combustion engine to initiate the normal motor operation. Without a starter, it would be very difficult to start the engine.

The starter motor is the part that cranks the engine. It is made from a DC electric motor and starter solenoid. This motor is powered by the 12-volt battery in your truck. Because it requires a high electrical current, the battery must have sufficient power to get it moving. If the battery is dead, there won’t be enough power to crank the engine.

Parts of a 7.3 Powerstroke Starter

To pick the right starter for your 7.3 Powerstroke engine, you must be familiar with all of the parts. Here are the parts you can expect with most starters.

Armature

There is a soft iron core that is surrounded by conductor loops. This part is referred to as the armature. Current running through the commutator bars and loops force the armature to function.

​Solenoid

The solenoid is an electromagnet that is attached to the motor of the starter. Its function is to transmit power from the battery to the starter motor.

Shift Fork

This plunger attaches to the solenoid, creating a pulling and pushing effect to activate the starter drive gear.

Drive Gear

This starter drive gear moves the engine’s flywheel, which is attached to the crankshaft. Because the crankshafts move the pistons, the engine is able to start.

Choosing a 7.3 Powerstroke Starter Upgrade: Complete Buyer’s Guide

As you look for a 7.3 starter, you might not know what to look for. Here are three factors that should play a part in making a decision.

Compatibility

The starter you choose must work with your truck. You can’t look for a 2002 F250 starter if what you really need is a 2020 F350 starter. Before you go any further, check the starter you want to ensure it fits on your 7.3 Powerstroke truck.

Durability

You don’t want to replace the Powerstroke starter again anytime soon. That’s why you need to do some research to ensure you get a high-quality replacement. Read through the customer reviews to ensure longevity and choose a brand that is reputable. You might even consider paying more for a starter with a warranty.

Cost

While you might be tempted to buy a cheap starter, it’s always wise to invest in the best upgrades for 7.3 Powerstroke. Your extra money will be well-spent, especially when you don’t have to replace the starter again down the road.

7 Best 7.3 Upgrades – Top Powerstroke Starters

1. DB Electrical SMT0024 Review – Best OBS Powerstroke Starter

When you look at the DB Electrical starter reviews, it becomes completely clear why this is a top choice. The high-quality design is what truly sets it apart. With the durable magnets that make starting the engine easier and the sealed bearings that keep moisture out, this starter is built to last.

While it is heavy, it is remarkably easy to mount. With a few simple tools, you can replace your Powerstroke starter by yourself and get back on the road. Even with this high-end design and durable construction, you aren’t going to spend more than necessary. The price is in line with the other brands from our list.

While nothing is perfect, it’s important to note that this starter does face some complaints, but rarely. Occasionally, it appears the starter won’t engage the flywheel. However, the company does offer a one-year warranty for additional peace of mind.

Features:

• Fits: 1994-2000 F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, F-550 Super Duty
• Voltage: 12
• Weight: 15.82 lbs.
• 12 Teeth
• Sealed Bearings
• 1-Year Warranty

Pros	Cons
Durable construction	May not engage flywheel
Highly rated
Includes sealed bearings
Comes with a 1-year warranty

2. Rareelectrical Review – Best 7.3 Powerstroke High Torque Starter

Another top Ford F250 starter is this one from Rareelectrical. According to some of the customer reviews, you might be able to experience up to a 50% boost in engine starts. With this construction, it’s no wonder it is a top performer. It contains two gears and 13 teeth, plus it is lighter than most.

With the simple mounting holes, you can get it installed in no time. Even if you have no experience, the holes ensure you don’t install it wrong. The company computer-tests all its starters to ensure consistency and reliability. Plus, there is a one-year warranty on this model for added protection.

While the 7.3 IDI starter is a top choice and continues to receive superior reviews, there are some people that believe it isn’t built as good as some others. If you are concerned about longevity, you might prefer one of the other options.

Features:

• Fits: 1994-2003 F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, F-550 Super Duty
• Voltage: 12
• Weight: 22.9 lbs.
• 13 Teeth
• Two Mounting Gears
• 1-Year Warranty

Pros	Cons
Lower cost	Not as durable
Computer-tested
Faster engine starts
Easy installation

3. DB Electrical SND0355 Review – Top Quality OBS 7.3 Starter

If you have an older Ford truck, you can find this starter as a replacement. Again, the customer reviews are off the chart, mainly because of the copper and nickel contacts that are meant to last. Plus, it contains a sealed housing with bearings that keep the moisture out of the equipment.

With the construction combined with the premium field coils and magnets, you can expect a fast start to your engine. If this is the last starter you ever put on your truck, you will be happy with the performance. Plus, it doesn’t just fit the 7.3 Powerstroke, but also the 6.9L models too.

However, to work on a newer engine, it will need to be modified. Instead of doing that, it’s often best to choose a starter that is compatible. As with our top option, this starter includes a one-year warranty for maximum protection.

Features:

• Fits: 1995-2003 F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, F-550 Super Duty
• Voltage: 12
• Weight: 23 lbs.
• 13 Teeth
• Sealed Bearings
• 1-Year Warranty

Pros	Cons
Quality construction	Doesn’t fit newer models
Sealed design
Reliable engine starting power
Fast installation

4. Powermaster 9051 Review – Most Reliable

According to the Powermaster starter review, you can’t ask for a more reliable starter for your 7.3 Powerstroke. It not only boosts the performance of the ignition system but it offers extreme durability. In fact, this starter is meant to last the life of your truck.

With a 3.81:1 gear reduction, you get the power you need to get on the road. The heavy-duty starter provides maximum torque and horsepower, ensuring you don’t have to keep cranking the engine. It also fits a variety of years, for complete compatibility.

With a design like this, you must expect a higher price. In fact, it can be nearly double some of the other options. However, it’s unlikely you will ever need to swap out the starter again, so why not invest in the best? This company also offers a one-year warranty for your protection, but we don’t think you will ever need it.

Features:

• Fits: 1994-2002 F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, F-550 Super Duty
• Voltage: 12
• Weight: 18.5 lbs.
• 13 Teeth
• 3.6 Horsepower Motor
• 1-Year Warranty

Pros	Cons
Fast starts	Expensive
Easy installation
High horsepower motor
Exceptional customer reviews

5. ACDelco 337-1077 – OEM OBS 7.3 Powerstroke Starter Review

If you want to replace your existing starter with the same factory part it comes with, this ACDelco model is a great fit. All of the key parts to this starter are lubricated, ensuring a long life and maximum performance. Plus, the solenoids are computer-tested. The company evaluates the drive gears, pull strength, coil balance and contact life before shipping them out.

The lightweight design makes installation easy, requiring less effort from you. With help from a friend, you can have this new starter installed in a short time. Plus, the company provides a 2-year warranty, which is double that of most of the top manufacturers.

On the downside, this starter can be a little pricey. However, you are getting the OEM design, so you know exactly what to expect from the performance. It will feel like starting a new truck once again.

Features:

• Fits: 1994-2001 F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, F-550 Super Duty
• Voltage: 12
• Weight: 15.3 lbs.
• 12 Teeth
• OEM Design
• 2-Year Warranty

Pros	Cons
Lightweight	Expensive
Longer warranty
Sealed solenoid
OEM performance

6. TYC 1-06669 Review – Cheap Powerstroke Starter

You don’t need to spend a lot of money to get a reliable starter for your Ford truck. This TYC starter may not be as known as the other brands, but it gets the job done. For the price, there’s not much worth arguing about.

Even with the lower price, the construction is still superior to some others. The brushes, solenoid, bearings and armature are all made of high-quality parts. When you go to start the engine, you know there won’t be any issues. Plus, it gets the job done faster than a factory starter.

The company provides a limited lifetime warranty for as long as you own your truck. You can’t ask for much more than this. Additionally, the starter is lightweight, so installation will be a breeze. However, the lower-cost design doesn’t supply enough power to be considered a performance model. If you need something more powerful, consider upgrading with one of the other options.

Features:

• Fits: 2001-2003 F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, F-550 Super Duty
• Voltage: 12
• Weight: 13.4 lbs.
• 12 Teeth
• Cheap
• Limited Lifetime Warranty

Pros	Cons
Lightweight	Not as fast
Cheap
High-quality parts
Highly rated

7. Premier Gear PG-17578 Review = Fastest 7.3 Powerstroke

If you want to improve the starting speed of your truck, consider this starter from Premier Gear. The high-end solenoid ensures that the starter drive always engages with the flywheel. When you put your key in the ignition, you can count on the starting power.

The company ensures that every part is made to last, from the wiring, bearings, coatings, insulation and brushes. With this solid construction, expect consistent performance in all situations. This 3.6kW starter features 12 teeth and always receives rave reviews.

Plus, the price remains low and the weight is less than many others. With the lower weight, you won’t need a lot of help getting the installation done. However, the company doesn’t provide any warranty information. If you want additional protection, you’ll want to choose one of the other models instead.

Features:

• Fits: 1999-2003 F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, F-550 Super Duty
• Voltage: 12
• Weight: 15.9 lbs.
• 12 Teeth
• Quick Starting

Pros	Cons
Lightweight	No warranty information
Starts fast
Durable construction
Reasonable cost

Signs of a Bad Ford 7.3 Diesel Starter

If you think your 7.3 starter is starting to go bad, watch for these signs. Your truck might experience just one or several, depending on what stage of failure the starter is at.

Here are some of the most common complaints heard by shops, followed by the actual symptoms a bad starter creates.

• “I hear loud clicking when I try to start the engine.”
• “I hear a whirring or buzzing sound when I try to start the engine.”
• “The starter sounds like it is grinding.”
• “Nothing happens when I try to start the engine, no noise or attempt to start.”
• “When I crank the truck, my headlights go out or get dim.”
• “My headlights look good, but the truck won’t start.”

1. Clicking Noise

When the starter begins to fail, it will make a clicking noise after turning the key. When the starter dies completely, it might not make any noise at all. There’s also the dreaded grinding noise that happens immediately before it dies.

However, occasionally, a bad starter can create new problems. You might also hear a whirring, buzzing or grinding as this valuable ignition component starts to fail.

2. Engine Doesn’t Crank

If the engine won’t start, it could be your starter. Of course, it could also be a dead battery. You can rule out the battery by attempting a jump start.

3. Dashboard Lights Up

If you attempt to start the engine and nothing happens, except the dashboard lights up, it’s a good indication that the starter is bad.

4. Smoke Comes from Truck

The starter is considered a component of the electrical system. This vital part is subject to short circuits and blown fuses. Whenever something malfunctions electrically, there can be smoke. If you see smoke or smell something burning, stop trying to start the engine.

5. Oil Soaked Starter

If you are physically looking at the starter and notice oil on it, it’s possible that the part went bad because of an oil leak. Even just a few drops of motor oil can cause the starter to fail.

If you experience any of these symptoms, you want to test the starter. If you aren’t sure how to do this, consider taking your Ford truck to a mechanic for more help.

What Causes 7.3 Powerstroke Starter Problems?

A starter can go bad for a number of reasons. Some of the most common causes include:

• Dirty connections
• Oil leaks
• Loose wiring, running to or from the starter
• Battery corrosion
• Old age
• Damaged parts in the system

Testing a 7.3 Starter Solenoid

If the starter is failing on your Powerstroke engine, it’s likely caused by the solenoid. Here are a few steps to check if the solenoid is failing.

1. Find the Solenoid

Before you can test the solenoid, you need to find it. Open the hood and look for the starter. It looks like a small cylinder located on the top or side of the starter. It will have a few terminals attached to it, one that runs to the battery.

2. Listen for Clicking

In this step, you are going to turn the key in the ignition. While turning the key, you should hear a clicking coming from the starter. However, if the solenoid is to blame, there will be no clicking. If you do hear the sound but the starter isn’t engaging, your problem might be battery related instead.

3. Use a Test Light

With your test light, you can figure out if the problem is your battery or solenoid. Connect the test light to the solenoid by putting the red lead on the top terminal, the same one that the battery connects to. The black lead should be grounded.

If the light comes on once connected, the battery is working properly and sending power. This proves that the solenoid is to blame. However, if the light doesn’t come on, you have a battery issue instead.

4. Testing the Solenoid

Once you determine that the battery is sending power, you want to ensure the solenoid is failing. Move the red lead to the lower terminal instead. Turn on the key and see if the light comes on. If it does, the solenoid is functional. Otherwise, it has failed and will need to be replaced.

5. Use a Voltmeter

There’s the possibility that there’s not enough electricity flowing to the solenoid. A voltmeter will help you determine what’s wrong. Connect the positive lead of your voltmeter to the battery terminal. Click the other lead onto the terminal. This will show you how much power is moving from the battery to the solenoid.

If it shows anything less than 12 volts, the battery isn’t sending enough power. If you are seeing more than 12 volts, turn off the engine while leaving the voltmeter connected. All of the energy should be pulled from the solenoid and the voltage should drop. Otherwise, there’s an issue with the battery connection and starter.

Here is some more advice to follow.

Installing a 7.3 Starter

Once you find your Ford 7.3 starter replacement, it’s time to install it. If you have some basic mechanical skills, you should be able to perform this installation yourself.

1. Pop the hood.
2. Use a battery wrench to unbolt the negative cables on the battery.
3. Slide under your Ford and put a jack stand under the starter.
4. Use your socket set to unscrew the wiring to the starter.
5. Disconnect the starter’s ground wire.
6. Remove all of the bolts that are holding the Powerstroke starter.
7. Lower the starter down carefully. These are very heavy, so use extra caution.
8. You can put the new starter on the jack to line it up.
9. Pair the new starter with the mounting holes.
10. Put the bolts in one at a time, carefully tightening each with the socket set.
11. Move the old starter and jack from under your Ford truck.
12. Use your battery wrench to re-bolt the cable.
13. Test the starter to ensure a proper replacement.

You can also watch this video for an illustrative guide.

7.3 Powerstroke Starter FAQs

How does an engine starter work?

The starter is its own electric motor. The starter is responsible for creating a current that can force the engine to crank and start. When you put the key in the ignition, you activate the starter with power from the battery. This electricity is turned into the energy needed to start the engine. If there is problems with the starter, your Ford truck might not start, or ignition could behave erratically.

How much does it cost to replace a 7.3 Ford starter?

The average diesel Ford starter replacement costs from $400 to $500. The majority of that cost is the part itself. However, you can save yourself some money if you can perform the installation yourself, as a mechanic might charge you $50 to $100.

Where is the starter located on a Powerstroke?

The Ford starter can be found bolted to the engine on the passenger side of your truck. However, there are a few models that have the starter on the driver’s side instead. Whichever side it is on, it will be near the frame cross-member, located under the truck. If you are unsure, you can look in the service manual for your Ford truck model.

Is the 7.3 diesel motor a good engine?

The 7.3L Powerstroke is considered by enthusiasts to be one of the best diesel engines that have ever been made. It’s found in many heavy-duty trucks and vans and continues to be a reliable motor. In fact, some people have commented that this engine is nearly bulletproof. Maybe that’s why the 7.3 Ford truck lineup remains popular today.

Is the 6.0 or 7.3 Powerstroke better?

If you are looking for simplicity, durability and reliability, the 7.3L Powerstroke is going to be the best option. However, the 6.0L engine offers more drivability and horsepower, plus it meets modern emissions standards. In the end, both of the engines have benefits and disadvantages. Before you buy a Ford diesel truck, we recommend you investigate the differences more thoroughly.

Conclusion

Finding the best starter for 7.3 Powerstroke engines isn’t difficult if you know what you are looking for. With our handy guide, you can find the model that suits your needs the best. We looked at a variety of Ford starters, ranging from the cheap, budget-friendly option to the performance-focused model. Within these starters, you will find the starting ability you are looking for, so you can get back on the road.

Here’s a summary of our top 7 picks: