Yep the op live in Michigan it looks like. It is surely the corrosion on the wires. all that salt they use there. I've seen cars from up there that were the most rusted I had ever seen.

 

JMC was correct. The cable going to the starter was green and actually had broken in half where it is supposed to be on the starter. I cut the cable where it was attached to the ceroded clip, stripped some of the wire back, and slide another conector to the end and crimped it into place. Bolted it back on the starter and it works fine. Took the $180 starter back to Auto Zone with a smile.
Thanks to all of you who had given so many great suggestions to my problem.

 

Yea well... So was I

 

I was first.

 

But I am nevere rong.......

Rgerads

Jean Marc Chartier

 

Alot of ppl hit this one right. What is up with the nasty corrosion problem on these starter wires. I have changed out alot of starters in my days, but have never seen a severe wire corrosion problem like these F150's.

 

Yea, well you have to it apart once a week and clean - It's in the manual. Isn't it ?

It's in there right ?

 

Galvanic corrosion. Different metals exposed to salt and water. Copper connectors and nuts for the cure......

 

Uh ye, it's in there Brew. Honestly!!