Ok, here is my issue. I have a 85 E350 with the 300. When I start it when the engine is cold it starts fine, cranks strong and fast, no issues. When the engine is warm and I stop for anywhere from 5-25 minutes sometimes it will crank very slowly, maybe one crank per second, sounds like a low battery. If I let it sit for 10 minutes or so it seems to recover enough and starts although it usually still cranks fairly slowly. If it is warm, and does crank fast enough to start, it will still almost always crank slower than it should.

The battery is new and I just replaced the cable from the starter solenoid to the starter and the starter. All of the connections and the battery ground are clean and tight.

I haven't replace the solenoid because it the starter always starts turning whenever I turn the key.

So... I'm a bit lost where to turn next.
Thoughts?

 

I should also mention that the super slow cranking while warm situation is slowly becoming more frequent.

Not sure if this has anything to do with this or not but I installed a tach before this problem started but since it has started sometimes the tach jumps around regardless of the actual engine rpms.

 

Here's a few ideas to try.

Since it starts fine cold, have the starter tested. Even new parts can be crap. If I can do it, I only buy Motorcraft starters, waterpumps, etc. I just made the mistake of picking up a parts store reman'd starter for my 96 E250 because I was in a hurry and they didn't have a Motorcraft one available. Well I had to return it and get another one before I even got it installed. And this isn't the first time. Many years ago I had a vehicle that I had to replace the auto parts store reman'd starter 6 times in 6 months. So just because it's new doesn't mean it's worth a damn.


If the starter checks out ok. It could be a heat soak issue. Add a heat shield to the starter.


You said you replaced the battery cable from the solenoid to the starter. But did you replace the one from the battery to the solenoid. They can look fine on the exterior but be severely corroded under the coating. When I replace my cables I like to go with a good quality larger cable/s. Same goes for the ground cables.

You might want to also try a good quality replacement solenoid.

And don't trust the battery simply because it's new. Have it load tested too.


I seriously doubt your tach has anything to do with hard starting. But if you are worried about it unhook the tach and see if it makes a difference.


Oh yea, I love the old Econolines I've got a E350 I'm going to be swapping in a 300/NP435 4spd combo to replace a 351W/C6. Post some pictures of your van!!

 

Is the ignition still computer controlled? Have you checked the timing to make sure it is not advanced too far?

 

Good point, to test this at the next hot start - slow cranking, just pull the coil wire.
If it tuns over fast - normal speed, it is a timing issue.

To me this just sounds like the classic slow death of your starter.
It might test OK at the auto parts store unless you heat it in the oven first.

I would recommend an upgrade to PMGR starter and keeping your current starter solenoid. Info here....

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...ml#post7017488

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post12194752

$39 on ebay with free shipping
Ford F Truck Bronco 4 9L 300 6CYL New Starter 1965 1996 Mini Starter Retrofit | eBay
Extended Warranty from DB Electrical, $5 more to add 1 yr (2yrs total)


The new PMGR starter are a night and day difference when it come to cranking speed and less current draw and thus better cold weather operation.

Jim

 

If he upgrades to the newer starter it's still a good idea to add a heat shield being in a van. Especially since those starters have a solenoid on them. My 96 E250 with a 5.8L has one of those starters and they came stock with a solenoid heat shield.

 

Ok. So I have now had the new starter and battery tested and they are both in excellent shape. I have replaced the solenoid. I have replaced the battery ground cable.
It's DSII not electronically controlled.
I've tried using a jumper cable to help ground out the battery, no difference.
The starter feels warm to the touch when this is happening but certainly not hot. The chassis of my van is from a 4wd f250 so it sits a bit higher and gets more airflow than the regular vans do I think.

So now I'm really stumped. Any more thoughts? Thank you for your input so far!