Help with Slow Cranking when Hot
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Freshman User
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Help with Slow Cranking when Hot
I just changed to a PMGR starter I purchased from Bronco Graveyard. I replaced all cables to starter and ground to the block, I have the new starter wrapped in heat shield material, but still am turning over slowly when the engine is hot. The engine has started every time so far, but it still doesn't seem right. I have a 400 small block and have long tube headers, I am thinking about wrapping the headers, and possibly playing with the timing a little, but if anyone else has any ideas i would love to hear them.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
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From: NorCal
Try a heat shield instead of a wrap. The starter may be heat soaking due to the heat conducted by the engine and is unable to cool under ambient conditions.
Conversely, wrap the header instead of the starter.
Conversely, wrap the header instead of the starter.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2011
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From: Moore, OK
Im still having no problems with same starter and headers. I did wrap my starter, but I dont think it would matter if I didnt. Mine is great, so unless yours is defective I would suspect timing or high resistance somewhere in the starting circuit that is compounded by heat.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Crestline, California
Timing, timing, timing.. Remember that when these trucks were new with original parts they didn't need the heat wraps, shields, etc. for the starter. I have had the same issues as you in the past and once I corrected the timing, and as long as I keep it properly timed I have no hard start when hot problems. Good luck!
Dak
Dak
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From: Moore, OK
Timing, timing, timing.. Remember that when these trucks were new with original parts they didn't need the heat wraps, shields, etc. for the starter. I have had the same issues as you in the past and once I corrected the timing, and as long as I keep it properly timed I have no hard start when hot problems. Good luck!
Dak
Dak
This starter upgrade fixed my problem, and it wasnt timing. My starter just got too dang hot.
In his case I would imagine timing is the culprit though
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Northeast LA
Timing, timing, timing.. Remember that when these trucks were new with original parts they didn't need the heat wraps, shields, etc. for the starter. I have had the same issues as you in the past and once I corrected the timing, and as long as I keep it properly timed I have no hard start when hot problems. Good luck!
Dak
Dak
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Elder User
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From: Crestline, California
) Perhaps that was only because they were still new enough not have any other problems to add. In any event, anything one can add or do to help with the heat or hard start, including timing adjustments can only make it better! 
Dak
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Senior User
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From: Moore, OK
Good point. I do recall "back then" though that folks did put headers on their trucks after market, but I don't recall the heat soak problem then (yes, I'm dating myself!) Perhaps that was only because they were still new enough not have any other problems to add. In any event, anything one can add or do to help with the heat or hard start, including timing adjustments can only make it better!
Dak
) Perhaps that was only because they were still new enough not have any other problems to add. In any event, anything one can add or do to help with the heat or hard start, including timing adjustments can only make it better! Dak
Truth be told mine was likely a combination of factors. Cheap starters, old and worn ground wire and timing too far advanced. I fixed the timing and the wire, but the problem persisted. The starter had probably just had it by then though.
I bet when people swapped on headers "back in the day" they were still running OE Ford starters, rather than something Besttest had rebuilt in China and sold to the parts store.
Elder User
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From: Crestline, California
Yup. OE starters. New car/truck warranties were relatively short back then so folks would modify their trucks when they had very few miles on them. Especially the exhaust and additions of "pretty" accessories..
Dak
Dak
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Thanks for the input guys...I will definitely focus on the timing. Does anyone know where I can buy a timing pointer for the 400. Mine is missing, and I would sure like to get the timing right. Thanks for the help.
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Just wanted to let you all know....Timing, Timing, Timing!!!!! I backed off the advance a little bit and during the 97 degree day today it started perfectly every time. I probably started hot 4 to 5 times today!!! This problem has been nagging since I bought the truck 2 years ago. You guys are a great resource, Thanks again for your help. If anyone know where to get a timing pointer for the ole' 400 let me know. Thanks
Moderator
Joined: Jul 2011
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From: Sioux Falls Area
I would like to offer another item to check, and that would be the size of your ground, positive, and starter wire.
When I bought my truck I had the hot starting problems, and after replacing the battery (previous owner installed new starter) to no avail, I noticed that my ground and positive wires were horribly undersized.
My fix was 2awg wires everywhere, including down to the starter. Since then, the only time I had a slow crank problem was after refueling on a 90* day after an interstate run, so I'm calling that a win
(Because it started on the first bump)good luck!
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Crestline, California
Just wanted to let you all know....Timing, Timing, Timing!!!!! I backed off the advance a little bit and during the 97 degree day today it started perfectly every time. I probably started hot 4 to 5 times today!!! This problem has been nagging since I bought the truck 2 years ago. You guys are a great resource, Thanks again for your help. If anyone know where to get a timing pointer for the ole' 400 let me know. Thanks
Cheers,
Dak
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