I have an 01 Supercrew 4.6l 4x4 with 155k

When I start my truck it will turnover like the battery is low for a few seconds then seems to spin up and the engine will start. I looked at the starter connections and they all have quite a bit of corrosion. I also notice right after it starts that the gauges all pin themselves at max for a few seconds then drop to zero for a few secs, then go back to normal indication. Just turning the key on they stay at zero.

At 155k I'm figuring the brushes in the starter are shot, but I can't find replacements to rebuild. Do you think it could just be the dirty connections or bad starter and are the guage fluctuations normal because of the high amperage draw?

Thanx in advance - Dean

 

The cables are corroded at the battery.
Why not begin there first.
Disconnect, use hot water to clean the cable ends and the posts.
Use a battery wire brush tool to clean both the battery terminals and the cable ends.
Inspect the cable ends for being eaten away.
Then if there is still an issue, look at the starter relay and cables to the starter.
The dash gage activity would indicate strongly the cables/battery are the issue and even the battery may be aged and need replacment.
Good luck.