Hot start problem
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,532
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From: northeast Ga
Hot start problem
My 54 panel has an odd problem , If I run with the air on , [ Vintage Air ] and then shut it off and go into a store . When I come out the motor will not turn over or just barely turn over , like a dead battery . After sitting a short time the starter works fine . If I shut the air off a couple of minutes before I shut down the motor I have no problem starting . If I run without the air it will start every time . This has been happening for years , I have cleaned all connections , a number of times . Battery , Starter, Cables , Carb , have all been replaced . Yesterday truck sat idling for about 15 minutes with air on , temp got up to 215 when I shut it down, About 5 minutes later it would not start . I opened the hood and let it sit about 5 more minutes and it started right up . Truck has 25.000 miles on the rebuild , 351W , Ron France wire harness , Alum Rad , electric fan, Factory headers [ cast iron ] , All in good shape . ANY IDEALS .
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,283
Likes: 1,046
From: NM
Are you using the original-style solenoid/relay? 12v or the original 6v?
I'd get it hot, and when it doesn't crank, try triggering the solenoid with a jumper. If that doesn't help, try the old pliers-across-the-solenoid trick. Lots of cheaply made solenoids out there.
I'd get it hot, and when it doesn't crank, try triggering the solenoid with a jumper. If that doesn't help, try the old pliers-across-the-solenoid trick. Lots of cheaply made solenoids out there.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 741
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From: Katy(Houston), Texas
I know you said you cleaned your contacts but also make sure you have a good ground wire or two. I have a Nova that would do something similar and I chased a hot start problem around for a while before one day noticing my ground wire which looked good was loose and full of grease below the contact point. Once I cleaned it up and made sure it had good contact it started 80% better. I need to add another ground because of the sub frame and the battery located in the trunk and I think that will cure it 100%. Just a though and a quick check. Good luck.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 127
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From: McKean, PA
I know you said you cleaned your contacts but also make sure you have a good ground wire or two. I have a Nova that would do something similar and I chased a hot start problem around for a while before one day noticing my ground wire which looked good was loose and full of grease below the contact point. Once I cleaned it up and made sure it had good contact it started 80% better. I need to add another ground because of the sub frame and the battery located in the trunk and I think that will cure it 100%. Just a though and a quick check. Good luck.
Question to lowtrkn2k is where did you ground the battery in your Nova? Somewhere in the rear or back up to the original location? Sorry for the thread jacking but I do agree sounds like heat messing with a ground connection. Maybe at the starter location?
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 127
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From: McKean, PA
That's how I did it a few years ago so I was probably already told that. I seem to forget more and more now a days 
I'll have to check all the grounds and maybe add another or two. Hope this helps with the truck hot starting issues. It's odd that the air has something to do with it unless it raises the temp just enough to affect it.
I'll have to check all the grounds and maybe add another or two. Hope this helps with the truck hot starting issues. It's odd that the air has something to do with it unless it raises the temp just enough to affect it.
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Elder User
Joined: Jun 2013
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From: Metro Detroit-MI
As stated above, check the connections and cables. Sometimes older cables start to deteriorate and cant carry the current they used to. The resistance might show as fine but you need to replicate it under load.
Maybe your cables are too small of a gauge as well?
Next time you are having a hard time start, open the hood and and see if the cables are very hot (hotter than the heat soak from sitting, if that makes sense)
Maybe your cables are too small of a gauge as well?
Next time you are having a hard time start, open the hood and and see if the cables are very hot (hotter than the heat soak from sitting, if that makes sense)
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2015
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From: Eastern NC
Can you measure the battery voltage with the air on vs off and get back to us?
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2008
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From: Waleska, GA
I spent hours and lots of money building shields, wrapping the starter in a thermeo-blanket, replacing cables, etc on my Fiero. I finally broke down and bought a gear reduction starter and haven't had even a hint of a problem since.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,532
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From: northeast Ga
I think the alt is 95 amp , Starter was replaced , have ground wires from bat to engine [ starter mount bolt ] bell housing , and frame . Using 12 volt solenoid , Will check on draw when ac is on . Also need to see if ac clutch is engaged when I try to start it .
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 741
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From: Katy(Houston), Texas
I'm having the exact same problem with my mustang with the battery relocated in the back and had a feeling it could be a ground issue. When I saw this post, a possible ground issue is what I was thinking also.
Question to lowtrkn2k is where did you ground the battery in your Nova? Somewhere in the rear or back up to the original location? Sorry for the thread jacking but I do agree sounds like heat messing with a ground connection. Maybe at the starter location?
Question to lowtrkn2k is where did you ground the battery in your Nova? Somewhere in the rear or back up to the original location? Sorry for the thread jacking but I do agree sounds like heat messing with a ground connection. Maybe at the starter location?
My ground is located in the back on the rear subframe. That's how it was when I bought it. I have been planning to run/extend the ground directly to the engine/transmission but since it basically works now (not as it should but...) I got lazy and haven't tackled extending the ground. I also did the mini starter which didn't make any difference but the funny thing is I guess the starter would get hot and the ground wasn't good enough for the starter to over come the heat. Once I had a good ground though it worked much better. Of course I figured that out after purchasing new $170 mini starter
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free90xlt
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
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Jul 10, 2004 06:20 PM