302 won't start when warm
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 470
Likes: 0
From: NE TX
I've seen diagrams of the switch posted here before from some manual. If I have time later, I'll try searching for one that was good. There are several posts concerning ignition switches that could give you more insight. Do you have a manual?
New User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 14
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Well, this is actually alleys hubbycartool because I do the physical work.
First, we have the exact same problem, but we know when and how it began.
On the hottest day in July, when the temperature went over 100, the battery isolator
kicked in and shut off all of the electrical power, everything. That's when we began
replacing the batteries and alternator. The battery isolator is a custom part, but the
fuse protecting the whole accessory harness is not. Once replaced, the van restarted,
but after warming up would stall at stop signs or while parking, and then give painstrying to restart.
The whole process, thus far, has led us to some part of the ICM or ECA, and nothing
whatsoever to do with the fuel pumps, etc. This problem is a Ford problem!
We suspect it to be an electronic component that is failing when hot.
Will get back. By the way, I like the line of reasoning that says a no start is being
caused by something and reset when the pump or spout is disconnected.
alleyshadit
First, we have the exact same problem, but we know when and how it began.
On the hottest day in July, when the temperature went over 100, the battery isolator
kicked in and shut off all of the electrical power, everything. That's when we began
replacing the batteries and alternator. The battery isolator is a custom part, but the
fuse protecting the whole accessory harness is not. Once replaced, the van restarted,
but after warming up would stall at stop signs or while parking, and then give painstrying to restart.
The whole process, thus far, has led us to some part of the ICM or ECA, and nothing
whatsoever to do with the fuel pumps, etc. This problem is a Ford problem!
We suspect it to be an electronic component that is failing when hot.
Will get back. By the way, I like the line of reasoning that says a no start is being
caused by something and reset when the pump or spout is disconnected.
alleyshadit
Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
was this problem ever resolved? I have a 87 F150 that has identical problem, no problem starting at cold but doesn't fire up when warm. I believe it's something to do with electrical. any help or info appreciated.
Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
I now have a new ignition switch on the truck but the problem didn't go away. I had to disconnect Inline fuel pump or disconnect Inertia switch behind fuse block to start the truck when warm. I installed a toggle switch on the Inertia switch line to make warm start process better but weirdest thing is I don't have a problem starting the truck after installed the switch even when warm. Like to get to the bottom of this problem sometimes.
Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
BTW, Ignition switch I got is updated version compare to original on 87-91 F series/Bronco. Motorcraft SW-2472 or F2TZ-11572-E, I got this switch for $13.28 list price at Burd Ford in Indianapolis earlier today. Advanced auto parts wanted almost $12 for aftermarket switch. Asking for replacement Ignition switch at the dealer will get you the original old design SW-2929?(I forgot) List price $16.60. Get SW-2472 from the dealer, it's improved version of the original and would last much longer than original and cost less.
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,428
Likes: 0
From: peoria, az
O.K. guys, try this if you haven't found a fix yet. Next time it doesn't start, put the gas pedal to the floor and try it. You may have to let it crank for 15 or 20 seconds. If it fires, do you see a lot of black smoke coming out the tailpipe? I'm still thinking a bad temp sender ( after reading thru this whole thing again)
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Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
Stepman, I will give that a try next time. hopefully today but if not within couple of days as I don't drive this truck everyday. Where is Temp sender located? I got 302 EFI also. is it one of those located on intake near distributor? is it analog or just on/off switch? if it's just on/off switch I can check the stage it's in next time it happens.
Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
I found Temp switch as follows; from autozone.com
On your 1987 FORD TRUCK F150 1/2 TON P/U 2WD, the TEMPERATURE SWITCH is:
UNDER HOOD, DRIVER SIDE, UPPER ENGINE AREA, REAR OF DISTRIBUTOR, NEXT TO VALVE COVER, MOUNTED ON INTAKE MANIFOLD
is this the temp sending unit you were talking about?
On your 1987 FORD TRUCK F150 1/2 TON P/U 2WD, the TEMPERATURE SWITCH is:
UNDER HOOD, DRIVER SIDE, UPPER ENGINE AREA, REAR OF DISTRIBUTOR, NEXT TO VALVE COVER, MOUNTED ON INTAKE MANIFOLD
is this the temp sending unit you were talking about?
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,428
Likes: 0
From: peoria, az
That one may be for gauge. I think there should be one near the thermostat also. It will be variable so that it can "read" different temps. It may read 50 degrees when cold which would be O.K. but, if it still reads 50 degrees when hot it will think you need to "choke it" adding too much fuel.
Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
Coolant temp sensor
There is a Coolant temp sensor near the temp switch also, it's sensor and reads temp for the gauge. I know this sensor works because my temp gauge works. the temp switch on the other hand it's either on or off, for cold start and such.
Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
Stepman, I got to try pedal to the floor a while ago. after catching couple of times engine fired up in less than 10 secs. no smoke came out. I never tried the pedal before since the truck is fuel injected. also, when I first started the truck it didn't go in to cold start(high rpm)mode like it usually does, but when in that mode after I pedaled it couple of times.
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