Hard Start Diagnostic Test
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Hard Start Diagnostic Test
I’m curious to collect thoughts on this.
I have been having hot restart issues for as long as I’ve had my truck (June 2018) and I’ve tried to chase the issue only making it better but not perfect.
here is the scenario. Yesterday I started the truck for the first time in a week, it took some cranking but it started after 3 tries. I drove the truck for about 20 minutes in 70 degree weather (should be fully warm)I came home parked the truck and let it sit for a minute or two. I tried to start the truck and it started but it took some cranking (it’s 6 volt so you only get so many tries). For many months, my truck would not start at all once the engine was warm.
Here is the test- I pulled the warmed up truck out of the drive way got it up to 10MPH killed the ignition and tried to pop start it. It started so fast that It was hard to tell it was running at first.
So I figure, what’s the difference between the pop start and using the starter? First, I’m probably getting a lot more RPM out of the pop start. Second, the starter is not soaking any amps from the ignition system.
Do you think I’m on to something or is this bad science?
Chris
I have been having hot restart issues for as long as I’ve had my truck (June 2018) and I’ve tried to chase the issue only making it better but not perfect.
here is the scenario. Yesterday I started the truck for the first time in a week, it took some cranking but it started after 3 tries. I drove the truck for about 20 minutes in 70 degree weather (should be fully warm)I came home parked the truck and let it sit for a minute or two. I tried to start the truck and it started but it took some cranking (it’s 6 volt so you only get so many tries). For many months, my truck would not start at all once the engine was warm.
Here is the test- I pulled the warmed up truck out of the drive way got it up to 10MPH killed the ignition and tried to pop start it. It started so fast that It was hard to tell it was running at first.
So I figure, what’s the difference between the pop start and using the starter? First, I’m probably getting a lot more RPM out of the pop start. Second, the starter is not soaking any amps from the ignition system.
Do you think I’m on to something or is this bad science?
Chris
Logistics Pro
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 4,920
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From: Bothell & Silverdale, WA
Chris, I believe both of your assumptions are accurate. I think the three most common causes of hot starting issues stem from: 1) Bad condenser, 2) Bad coil, 3) Carburetor float setting (or boil-out). There are probably a myriad of other causes too, but these three come to mind.
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Thanks mixerman and F1. Both good thoughts.
my wiring is all original which makes me wonder about getting enough amps to the ignition system when cranking.
How about this test - I create a hard start situation and run a wire right from the battery to the coil. The coil and condenser were both replaced this summer. This should take any poor wires or volt drop out of the equation.
Thank you for all of your help.
Chris
my wiring is all original which makes me wonder about getting enough amps to the ignition system when cranking.
How about this test - I create a hard start situation and run a wire right from the battery to the coil. The coil and condenser were both replaced this summer. This should take any poor wires or volt drop out of the equation.
Thank you for all of your help.
Chris
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,313
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From: Lititz PA
I got an optima battery to help with hard hot starts, but I found if I press slightly on the gas peddle it starts easier. Must be the extra air. I only do that if it doesn’t start first without touching the gas peddle. Dennis
Last edited by pintoplumber; Nov 1, 2018 at 04:20 PM. Reason: damn autocorrect
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 19,311
Likes: 97
From: Waterloo, Iowa
Are the battery cables 2/0 size and good conditon? How about the starter itself especially... One thing that comes to mind, when bump starting the engine, the starter isn't involved so consequently all of the available juice goes to the ignition. With a defective starter, it will soak up excessive current and leave little left over for the ignition (weak spark at plugs) at tickover leading to hot start issues. Cold starts can be tough hot starts are worse.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2006
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From: Lititz PA
[QUOTE=1954wrecker;18281542]
Did the optima help at all?
Yes, when drag racing we do a lot of hot starts moving up in the staging lanes. I do have welding cable for my battery cables and grounds. Dennis
Yes, when drag racing we do a lot of hot starts moving up in the staging lanes. I do have welding cable for my battery cables and grounds. Dennis
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Elder User
Joined: Jun 2015
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From: Louisville
A bad condenser will cause the exhaust to make your eyes burn. Shutting off the key and immediately clutch-starting it doesn't prove much. Like Ross said, park it on a hill for a few minutes and then try clutch-staring it and get back to us. Mine is also 6 volt, with an old battery. It doesn't crank fast but it will crank for quite a while, even after sitting outside all winter. You might also use a volt meter to check your battery and generator. Then remove the distributor cap, place a piece of paper between the points and have someone crank the engine while you check the voltage at the coil.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,847
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From: Eastern shore,Salisbur,MD
i never had a hot start issue with my truck. But during the re-build, I switched over to Pertronics solid state ignition. All new plug wires, dist cap, rotor, plugs. All has been fine. Also, I run 12V, neg ground. All new electric harness in truck, My wires when I purchased the truck were the old clothe covered and very brittle at best.
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Here is what I tried today. It was not the exact experiment we discussed but close.
Started the truck, it started pretty quick. I drove it for 20 or 25 minutes.
I parked at the top of a slight hill, killed the ignition. Tried to start the truck and it would not turn over after three tries. Rolled the truck down the hill at maybe 10 MPH and I let the clutch out in third, it started right away.
whats next?
Chris
Started the truck, it started pretty quick. I drove it for 20 or 25 minutes.
I parked at the top of a slight hill, killed the ignition. Tried to start the truck and it would not turn over after three tries. Rolled the truck down the hill at maybe 10 MPH and I let the clutch out in third, it started right away.
whats next?
Chris
Believe Nothing
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 7,514
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From: W. Central FL.
No where have I read that you've had the battery load tested or mentioned what the age might be or if it is a cheap battery or a commercial unit. Tip. Depress the clutch when trying to start the truck. Heavy transmission grease is just another load on the starter. Question, how do you know the starter is good?
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The battery is only a few months old and is a NAPA commercial unit. I had it tested at NAPA a few weeks ago and it had a 1000 cranking amps per their tester.
The starter is a long story, I got a new starter in June just as a precaution and as a possible culprit to the hard hot start issue. The new starter worked and then started cranking slower and slower and then not at all. I pulled the new starter out and put the original starter back in and it started cranking fast again I.e I’m now using the original starter but it seems to crank ok. I had the bad starter replaced under warranty but it’s sitting in my garage.
Is there an acceptable cranking RPM if I put a tach on my truck to check? This would be a way to confirm if the starter is working well enough.
Chris
The starter is a long story, I got a new starter in June just as a precaution and as a possible culprit to the hard hot start issue. The new starter worked and then started cranking slower and slower and then not at all. I pulled the new starter out and put the original starter back in and it started cranking fast again I.e I’m now using the original starter but it seems to crank ok. I had the bad starter replaced under warranty but it’s sitting in my garage.
Is there an acceptable cranking RPM if I put a tach on my truck to check? This would be a way to confirm if the starter is working well enough.
Chris