Truck Repair: 2004 8600 International X 2 starting problems

Question
Hi,

I have a similar problem to the link in
http://en.allexperts.com/q/Truck-Repair-2233/2013/1/2005-international-8600-won.

I have an international 8600 (2004) that has starting problems occasionally.  When you try to start the truck, the battery gage would fluctuate. My mechanic came across the same problem at his shop and after doing some electrical probing, he saw there was no power from the clutch switch. He replaced the switch. However, it is still doing the same thing. My driver has had to hit the started area to create a spark to start the truck or roll it when this happens. Should I try switching the relay as well ? I think my starter and solenoid are good. If I need to switch out the relay, how do I go about doing that - what parts should I order ? Any advice would be helpful.
- Manpreet

Answer
Sounds alot to me like you have a bad spot in the windings of the starter. When that happens it won't act up all the time only when that bad spot gets on the contacts in the starter. Where i would start is load test and clean your batteries makeing sure all that is good. Check that the connections at the starter are clean and tight. With your gauge fluctuating thats usually a indication of a bad or loose connection. If all that is good there are two relays in your fuse panel on the fender they are square black boxes one labeled ignition and one labeled starter. Thats the cheapest place to start. After that look on your firewall on the driver not all trucks have them some do. Will be a starter solenoid it will be round with 2 screws holding it to the fire wall it will have to small posts and two big posts on it. You can pick one up at a napa, carquest, oreilly. If they don't know what your talking about ask for a starter solenoid in like a early 80s pickup with a v-8 they are the same thing. the only thing that would be left is changing the starter thats what i'm leaning towards just in your description other things will be cheaper if you want to try them first.