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My truck starts up great... most of the time. When it's heat soaked after a good deal of driving the starter will drag really slow, and it's pretty cold outside now. That's what happens when I stop for gas. If I stop long enough to eat lunch that seems to be enough cool down time to not be a problem. I tried using a reflective heat blanket but it made no difference, so I decided to get one of the high torque mini starters. I don't like modernizing anything I don't have to, but I need this to be as reliable as my Toyota. When the winter weather is over I'm going to drive it on some cross country trips, and I can't have the embarrassment of not being able to start it in public.
The one pictured is less than half the price of the MSD. It's already on it's way, but thanks for the tip. I seldom think to check the classifieds here.
You mention heat soak, and then said that it's pretty cold outside now....so I'm wondering. Difficulty starting when the engine compartment is very hot is likely the starter. It could be that hard starts when its very cold out, more likely the battery??
I'm planning to replace the battery as well, but I don't think that's the problem. It lights off first thing in the morning when it's below freezing without hesitation. It's only after the engine bay is hot, and then it only takes about 25 minutes to cool down enough to turn over again like it should. In the summer I doubt it will cool down so fast, so I need to take care of this now.
my 2 cents, seconding resonateur - With cars, motorcycles and yard gear, I've spent too many hours chasing starting problems that were either the battery or low gas. I would try that new battery before doing the harder starter work.
I'm planning to replace the battery as well, but I don't think that's the problem. It lights off first thing in the morning when it's below freezing without hesitation. It's only after the engine bay is hot, and then it only takes about 25 minutes to cool down enough to turn over again like it should. In the summer I doubt it will cool down so fast, so I need to take care of this now.
As in the starter is a goner until it cools off or like a hard hot start when the ignition coil or condenser is playing games?
I've been very happy with my Powermaster hi-torque starter. Still have to loosen the header if I have to pull it for any reason.
As in the starter is a goner until it cools off or like a hard hot start when the ignition coil or condenser is playing games?
I've been very happy with my Powermaster hi-torque starter. Still have to loosen the header if I have to pull it for any reason.
Not a goner, just drags slowly at first when hot but it does start. I'm using Pertronix, so no condenser, but it does have the original yellow top coil, so that is a possibility.
Originally Posted by 66F250_4x4
I would try that new battery before doing the harder starter work.
The new starter arrived today, so it's going in first.
Originally Posted by WDXPW
Best to check the resistance of the ground/starter cables doesnt cost anything, easy to do and often overlooked.
Both cables (and in fact virtually every wire under the hood) are new with good clean connections, but sure I can check with my multi meter.
Finally had a nice weather day so I could take it out for a drive. The mini start did the trick!
There are just a couple of items left on my punch out list: replace the door weather stripping and replace the 3" muffler with a 2.5" one. Both of those items are an attempt to reduce noise in the cab. I can hear my radio OK up to 50 mph, but by 60 the wind noise is too loud for comfort.
Congratulations! - Glad you fixed that issue.
I've been tracking noise as well. Big changes for me were Dynamat and Dynapad on as many interior surfaces as possible, including inside the doors, and full carpet on the floor. Still pretty loud at speed, but much better than when I started. I think my tires are likely the biggest contributors now...
In my case, the 64 Thunderbird 390 in my 65 on cold winter morning the stars had to be aligned to get the engine to start, I swapped points for Electronic Ignition, out of the number of options I went with Durapark ll, now zoom-zoom, starting is no longer an issue.
I used quite a bit of Dynamat throughout the cab and doors, and it made a huge difference. I just need to tame the wind noise a little more. I'd really like to make it to 65 mph and be able to hear my radio without cranking it up so loud my ears hurt, but I'd be happy if I can just bump it up to 60.
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