1989 F-250 7.4 liter with C-6 automatic.

Engine starts easily when cold (or warm), but drive a few miles, shut it off, then try to start within 15 minutes and it will just crank.

Takes about 8 or 12 tries, then it will start. When is does start it seems to be 'loaded up' since exhaust really stinks for a moment.

Any ideas?

 

I don't know if this will apply, but I had a mid '80s Ford that did that and it was the ignition module.

I could start it cold and drive a few miles but it wouldn't start hot.

I changed the ignition module and presto, no more problem.

 

Is that 89 fuel injected or does it have the Holley 4 barrel? If it is carbureted then you might have a ruptured power valve that is causing additional fuel to bleed into the engine when it is off. The ruptured power valve is caused by backfiring through the carb. Replacement is easy, just remove the front bowl and metering block and replace the valve that is screwed into the block. Put the carb back together and this should help your problem as well as increase mileage.

If it is fuel injected then my guess is that you have a fuel pressure problem, regulator or pump, or like the previous post said, an ignition module problem.

John