7.3 wont start
It really sounds like either the starter isn't getting enough power, the batteries really aren't holding the power (minus 30 c ain't balmy) or the starter is defective and drawing-down the batteries. The glow plugs use a lot of current, and they run for a long time when cold (including through crank). You may want to have that starter checked.
All the other suggestions (checking fuel, warming in a building, current meter, etc) are all VERY valuable advice.
It looks one is stuck out the other is back in its normal place. I thought for a moment teeth were gone, its simply retracted. put starter in a vise and bench test it with a 2x4. If it chews hell out of the wood, it will start the truck. Think you are looking at a power supply problem if starter has torque with bench test. If starter is stuck out it wouldn't crank up due to not having enough torque. Needs to start to spin befor being engaged. Otherwise it will clunk and grunt. And with -30 it needs some spinning help. A lot of it. Use a pry bar and turn your motor over, see if it is stuck in place. And look at the teeth while turning it. I'm assuming you have a pan oil heater. Without it the oil is like cold honey at these temps. Had 1 experience at 28 below and clunk, put a pan magnetic heater 2 of them on the pan bottom and 2 hours later presto spin up and that was 5w30 oil in that thar pan.
Last edited by papa tiger; Jan 21, 2012 at 02:01 PM.

