Best Starters For 7.3 Powerstroke – 2021 Ultimate Buyer’s Guide

| Last Updated: December 25, 2021

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If you are a truck enthusiast, you would know one of the best truck engines in the world and one of the leading truck manufacturers, Ford has installed the 7.3 Powerstroke in a truck.

To start an internal-combustion engine without cranking it by hand, you need a device called a starter, and not just any starter, but the best one.

To help you pick, we’ve picked out some of the best ones available on the market. 

Comparison of the Best Starters For 7.3 Powerstroke

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • Has the power of 12 volts
  • Comes with a 12-tooth pinion
  • Best overall is compatible with several Ford engines
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  • Has a power pack of 12 voltage
  • Unit-type starter is our runner-up
  • Comes with rotation CW and teeth 13
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  • Comes with a one-year warranty
  • Computer tested for consistent quality
  • Best for the money that is made up of premium-quality products
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  • Comes with factory direct pricing
  • Has a remarkable power of 12 volts
  • Fitted with 12 teeth to increase performance
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  • Very easy to install and mount
  • Promises a power of 3.6 kilowatts
  • Comes with high efficiency and power of 12 volts
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Are All 7.3 Powerstroke Starters The Same?

Not every 7.3 Powerstroke starter is the same. Each model is designed to complement a particular engine of a particular car. Placing an inappropriate starter in a car engine will not generate better and improved results. Not every starter goes with every Powerstroke. Analyzing and evaluating multiple features of a particular starter will help you choose the best one for your truck.

Usually, starters are made up of two main parts or building blocks: contactors and overload protection. Once you get down to the basics of starters, you would find there are multiple types of starters, including stator resistance, star-delta, autotransformer, raptor resistance starters, variable starter frequency, and many more. Their major components are the same, which we will discuss later in this guide, but their assembly varies from each other.

Each starter is composed of a variety of features, some have long cranking time, and some are weak, or crank weirdly. So keep these factors in mind before choosing the one that is compatible with your truck engine and is devoted to increasing the power of your truck engine.

What Are the Components of a Starter?

To choose the best starter, it is essential to be familiar with its parts. An electromagnetic field and armature are two main components of a starter. Other components include a solenoid, shift fork, and the starter drive gear. Let us have a detailed look at the components:

Housing and Electromagnetic Field Coils

Usually, cars have two or four coils. These coils are connected in series and energized by batteries. When they get energized, the coil produces an electromagnetic field, hence running the armature.

Armature

If you see a soft iron core that is wrapped with several conductor loops, that is the armature. The current that flows through the commutator bars and the conductor loops causes the armature to run.

Solenoid

If you see two coils wrapped around a core that can move or rotate around its position, it is called a solenoid.

Shift Fork

There is a plunger attached to the solenoid, all it does is pull and push the shift fork that is attached to the starter drive gear.

Drive Gear

Now that the shift fork is connected with the starter drive gear, it moves the flywheel of the engine. This flywheel is attached to the crankshaft. These crankshafts are responsible for moving the pistons, which, in turn, start the engine.

How Do I Choose a 7.3 Powerstroke Starter?

Choosing a 7.3 Powerstroke starter requires some thought. You cannot just show up at the shop and choose the very first one you see. As a starter is an integral part of the engine of your truck, and a good one will enhance the performance of your engine and provide more power. So if you are struggling to choose a Powerstroke starter, then have a look at the following factors:

Compatibility

The first and the most important factor you need to consider is the compatibility of a particular Powerstroke starter with your car or truck’s engine. Of course, if it isn’t compatible with your car, then it is of no use.

Electric Starter Ford 7.3

Durability

You can’t treat your car to a new starter every day, so it is better if you do thorough research before committing to one. The primary purpose of the starter is to generate more power, so you have to consider that the rockets and lifters won’t be worn out. Durability and reliability are two factors that are a must in order to choose the best Powerstroke starter.

Price

One has to consider the price when looking for a 7.3 Powerstroke starter. Make sure the one you are buying comes in under your budget. While these are generally more expensive, you can always find some excellent products at a reasonable price. 

Review of the Best Starters for 7.3 Powerstroke

Let us look at the main features, pros and cons, and what some recent buyers have to say about some of the very best starters for 7.3 Powerstroke. Choosing any of the following will surely enhance the performance of your vehicle. 

Best Overall:
Electric Starter Ford 7.3

PROS

  • Comes with sealed bearings
  • Comes with copper and nickel contacts
  • Has a true-fit design for ease of installation
  • Features high-quality magnets or field coils
  • Equipped with high-quality brushes and bushing

PROS

  • A bit expensive
  • Sometimes the flywheel won’t engage

What Recent Buyers Report

Most of the recent buyers were very happy and extremely satisfied with the performance of this starter. One recent buyer said that ever since he replaced his old Powerstroke starter with this one, his trucks start faster than ever. Another buyer said this unit had never given him a reason to complain about its efficiency, making it an overall great purchase.

Why it Stands Out to Us

It stands out to us because of many factors. For instance, it comes with high-quality magnets that result in more torque and allow the engine to start more easily. Plus, it also comes with sealed bearings, which means you won’t be facing problems from moisture. Lastly, it is very easy to mount and offers a longer and more efficient life.

Who Will Use This Most

Drivers or car enthusiasts who wish to improve and enhance the performance of their favorite Ford trucks would love to invest in this starter. Not only does it come with a long list of features, but it promises to enhance and increase the performance of the engine by reducing and monitoring the current limit.

Bottom Line

Know that small differences make a big difference in the performance of your car. Investing in this best overall starter will promise a huge difference in the performance of your truck or car. Plus, it is a one-time investment, so it ensures that you enjoy its perks for a longer time.

Runner-up:
DB Electrical SND0355 Powerstroke

PROS

  • Easy to set up and replace
  • Comes with a one-year warranty
  • Compatible with loads of models
  • 30% faster and efficient performance
  • Reliability is tested by the experts to promise the very best

PROS

  • Not really easy to afford
  • Running lifetime is a bit low

What Recent Buyers Report

Most recent buyers were happy with the performance of this DB Electrical Powerstroke. One of the recent buyers said that although he was happy that it gave a 30% boost to his truck, to install and replace this starter, make sure you have a set of extra hands on deck. Apart from this slightly inconvenient installation, users found nothing more to complain about.

Why it Stands Out to Us

It stands out to us because of its remarkable manufacturing company. All the parts of this starter are quality-assured since they are tested for reliability and durability by experts. Its outstanding features enhance and improve the quality and efficiency of the engine, even on the rough paths.

Who Will Use This Most

If you are a truck enthusiast who loves to experiment with the speed of the car, then this starter would benefit you a lot. With this installed, your truck would run perfectly on everything from gravel country roads to dirt trails. This makes your truck a perfect ride to travel on a wide range of paths.

Bottom Line

Depending on the use of your truck, only you would be able to assess whether this is the perfect pick for your engine or not. So have a look at the main features and pros and cons of this starter and make a final decision. Give your engine a treat and enjoy the enhanced performance and versatility it promises.

Best for the Money:
High Torque Starter F Series

PROS

  • Comes with 12 volts
  • Only weighs 23.1 pounds
  • Delivers a power of 4KW
  • Features 13 clockwise teeth
  • Equipped with two mounting gears

PROS

  • Not as reliable in performance as others

What Recent Buyers Report

Most of the recent buyers were happy with the remarkable performance of this starter. One recent buyer said that his old starter was making long cranks, but with this in place, he felt a huge difference in the performance of the truck. Another buyer reported that he noticed at least a 50% boost in the performance of the engine in his truck. All in all, users have noticed a significant difference in their vehicle’s performance. 

Why it Stands Out to Us

The very fact that it is not that expensive, comes with two gears, thirteen teeth, and is a bit lightweight compared to the other starters makes it stand out to us. It is extremely easy to install, the holes for mounting are visible and easy to locate, making it easy for the users to fix the starter.

Who Will Use This Most

Want to enhance the speed, efficiency, performance of your truck? Need to get rid of long cranking noises? If you are familiar with these two situations, then you have come to the perfect place. At just a small amount, you can treat your truck with enhanced and improved performance by installing a new starter.

Bottom Line

High power, lightweight, easily affordable, easy to set up, easy to install, and plenty of other features make this starter one of the very best on our list. Start saving some money, purchase this one, and you will see a noticeable difference before and after replacing your old starter with the new one.

4. DB Electrical SFD0086 Powerstroke

PROS

  • At 8 pounds, it’s really light 
  • Armatures can easily install it
  • Comes with long-lasting features
  • Comes with 24/7 customer support
  • Parts are easily available in the market

PROS

  • Does not have enough torque
  • Sometimes, it won’t start the engine smoothly

What Recent Buyers Report

One of the recent buyers said this starter did improve the performance of his truck. Other buyers reported that it is not as competent as other starters in the market, but given the customer support and easy availability of the parts, they didn’t have too much to complain about. They also stated that they loved its easy installation.

Why it Stands Out to Us

It stands out to us because it only weighs eight pounds, making it the lightest starter on our list. Its low weight also makes it extremely easy to install and replace. Overall, it will improve the performance of your truck, but this does not offer 100% results. So, for a minor enhancement, this is one of the best!

Who Will Use This Most

Drivers who are looking for add-ons to enhance the performance of their trucks but who are not looking for some major improvement will find this starter for Powerstroke extraordinary. So if you just want to experiment with the speed of your truck, then invest in this one, and you won’t be disappointed.

Bottom Line

In a nutshell, this starter does not offer a hundred-percent speed efficiency, but it does offer some standard features that can help you increase the efficiency of your truck. So, if you are satisfied with the pros and the features it has to offer, get your hands on this efficient add-on.

5. Starter Powerstroke MG250421

PROS

  • Bolt holes are perfectly placed
  • Allows the vehicle to cranks fast
  • Turns motor faster than the rest
  • Lasts for a long time and is extremely reliable
  • Compatible with a wide range of Ford models

PROS

  • Does not come with a warranty

What Recent Buyers Report

Almost every recent buyer of this product was very happy with their purchase. One recent buyer said he had been using this device for two years and didn’t have anything to complain about. Another buyer said this starter had improved the performance of his truck’s engine to a certain degree.

Why it Stands Out to Us

The very fact that this starter is extremely easy to mount is the reason that it stands out to us. All you need to know are some simple steps and you can mount this device on your own. This simple installation saves you from a trip to your mechanic, and most importantly, it saves you from a mechanic’s fee.

Who Will Use This Most

Do you want to enhance the speed of your truck? Do you want to improve the torque of the engine? Do you want to use your truck to the best of its abilities? If your answer to all of those questions is yes, then you should invest in this starter, for it promises remarkable cranking shafts.

Bottom Line

Carefully examine the pros and features of this starter, and if you think this will suit your truck’s 7.3 Powerstroke, then invest in this device. Take your truck on whatever harsh pathway you want, and your truck’s engine won’t complain. Stop waiting and get your hands on this starter.

Advantages of Investing in a Quality Starter

Always consider investing in a quality starter as a necessity, for it has multiple benefits that give your truck an entirely different feel. Some of the advantages of investing in a quality starter are given below:

Saves from Heated Motor

One of the perks of a high-quality starter is that it does not exhaust the motor, which means that the overall operational efficiency of the engine is increased.

Reliable

High-quality starters are reliable, so they will perform well, eliminating all the potential malfunctioning possibilities. A high-quality starter shows reliable performance, even if the load characteristics vary between starts.

Acceleration Time

A high-quality Powerstroke starter gives the user access to adjustable acceleration time, giving them more liberty with the machine.

Current

In addition to other factors, a high-quality starter gives precise control over the current limit that saves the engine from constant voltage and current fluctuations.

How to Replace a 7.3 Powerstroke Starter

Replacing a 7.3 Powerstroke starter is extremely easy. Let us go through the entire process step by step:

  1. Pop up the hood of your vehicle and with the help of the battery wrench, unbolt the 7.3 negative cables from the battery that is placed on the passenger’s side.
  2. Slide under the passenger side of your Ford and carefully place the jack stand directly under the belly of the starter.
  3. Now, use the socket set to unscrew the starter wiring.
  4. Disconnect the ground wire from the starter.
  5. Remove all the bolts holding the starter.
  6. Now carefully lower down the starter and be extra careful, as they are extremely heavy.
  7. With the old starter removed, place the new starter on the jack.
  8. Make sure the hole in the starter model adjusts perfectly with the mounting holes in the engine.
  9. Fit in the starter bolts one by one and use the socket set to tighten all the bolts.
  10. Remove the old starter, jack, and the socket set from underneath your Ford vehicle.
  11. Lastly, with the help of the battery wrench, bolt the cable back onto the driver’s side.

Don’t miss out on any steps, and for some visual guidance, refer to the video below.

Conclusion

Now you have most of the important information about the 7.3 Powerstroke starter, and even have a detailed list of the five best starters in front of you. Evaluate and compare the main features and pros and cons of the best starters in the market and enhance the speed, efficiency, and accuracy of your Ford’s engine.

Sean comes from the forums actually and drives an OBS Ford. He writes fantastic DIYs and knows his way around a camera, too. We keep him caffeinated and away from DPF filters to avoid another rant about recent emissions restrictions.