needsmoarturbo

Yes, check the cable ends at the starter.
12.x volts is plenty as long as the cables can carry current, when they are testing the battery they are looks testing it correct, not just checking the voltage? If so if believe them for now that the battery is ok. I'd start with the cables and probably mistrust the new starter over the battery assuming it tests good. If you have a second vehicle or a friend or neighbor you could swap in a different battery from them to rule out the battery

redfishtd

You can do a voltage drop test on main cables . For instance put your meter on positive battery and the negative meter lead on main terminal of starter , have someone try to start it while you watch meter. Very little drop should show up on the main lead . The same is true for negative lead to engine one meter lead on negative battery the other on frame of starter ,very little drop should appear during start.
You can also see current draw during start with a tong dc ammeter . Some digital meters will lock on the highest point of reading during test
Warning any fluid build up in cly can hydro lock engine due to leaking injectors or bad head gasket . Fluids cant be compressed that is the principle of hydraulics . Two of my injectors let goand was hard starting , one was passing a solid stream another was dripping . So it can happen .,I was lucky it didnt hydro my engine but it did flood my intake manifold and break loose all that black pcv build up in intake going into the cat on passenger side so now I have a cat failure on that side . . I may gut cat or put an aftermarket in .

steve672

Thank you for our reply. What happens if there's a drop? I tested my new starter and every indication suggests that its blown again. Im so frustrated that i could destroy the damn truck at this point.
Its an 07 and im afraid that a trip to a mechanic to fix it is not worth the damn m oney

needsmoarturbo

Maybe you should check your crankshaft end play, since you have a 2007 and they are allegedly more prone to thrust bearing failure. Might explain if it's hard to crank and eating starters?

steve672

Dang, I just watched a video on the thrust bearing! looks like a potential complete rebuild!

redfishtd

Drop your oil pan and see if thrust washer is laying in there. Usually it cant be put back in-too much damage. While you are under there check end play, its easy to do . Check for oil pick up damage blockage ! Too much end play _= reman engine .

getterdun

A touch over 12 volts, even after charging if I'm reading this right, is too low. Odd that it started after installing new starter though? I'd go to Advance and get them to check the battery.

laterongc

agree. And if there is a voltage drop condition too, then it’d really be bad. Seems strange to not rule out the simple stuff first.