Starter???
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Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2002
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Starter???
Hi all
I've got a '79 F150 4x4 with a 400 in it. It starts up fine and runs fine but if I turn it off it won't start. I can hear the solenoid click and the starter trys to turn but it won't start. I've got newer battery cables. The battery I load tested myself and also took it to be checked a the local Napa. It's good. My altinator is charging. I put a new(Refurb) starter in yesterday and a new solenoid in today. I've also read where the starter gets too hot so I made a aluminum heat shield. My exaust runs by the starter but is still 3 or 4 inches from the starter and still it won't start. The only thing I haven't tried is buying a new truck. Hope this isn't beating a dead subject but I've run out of ideas. Hope someone can help...
Matt
I've got a '79 F150 4x4 with a 400 in it. It starts up fine and runs fine but if I turn it off it won't start. I can hear the solenoid click and the starter trys to turn but it won't start. I've got newer battery cables. The battery I load tested myself and also took it to be checked a the local Napa. It's good. My altinator is charging. I put a new(Refurb) starter in yesterday and a new solenoid in today. I've also read where the starter gets too hot so I made a aluminum heat shield. My exaust runs by the starter but is still 3 or 4 inches from the starter and still it won't start. The only thing I haven't tried is buying a new truck. Hope this isn't beating a dead subject but I've run out of ideas. Hope someone can help...
Matt
Posting Legend
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 36,506
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From: Grapevine, TX
Is it an automatic? I have sometimes thought mine was in park, but it wasn't all the way in and it would just click when I tried to start. Another problem I had was with the battery cables. They looked good, seemed to be fastened tight to the battery, but underneath the rubber/plastic coating, the negative cable had corroded and it wasn't always getting a good ground. Just a couple simple things, I'm sure some other folks will have some more suggestions.... good luck.
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Thanks for the suggestions. I was just reading of others simular problems and they're saying larger battery cables. I have newer cables but I'm ready to try anything with in reason. I'll post again with a yaa or naa. My truck is a third car for me so if it runs, great, if not oh well. Try another day. It's a pain though if I need the truck I have to leave it running and no one will steal it.....cowards.
Matt
Matt
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Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,404
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From: Cleveland, WI USA
I've spent a lot of time doing exactly what you've done on my 78 F150 460/4x4. With that engine and exhaust setup, the exhaust pipe is less than 2" away from the starter. I'd have to let it cool down for a good hour sometimes, even with the homemade alum. heat shield.
I got a reman starter, new cables, solenoid, battery, everything. Still had really weak starting. I finally read other posts (probably the same ones you did) and took their advice on larger battery cables. That made all the difference in the world. It cranks like mad now even when it's hot.
I think I went with 2 ga. but I'd like to go even bigger. The local tractor parts store makes huge ones.
Good luck.
Kevin K.
I got a reman starter, new cables, solenoid, battery, everything. Still had really weak starting. I finally read other posts (probably the same ones you did) and took their advice on larger battery cables. That made all the difference in the world. It cranks like mad now even when it's hot.
I think I went with 2 ga. but I'd like to go even bigger. The local tractor parts store makes huge ones.
Good luck.
Kevin K.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,613
Likes: 2
From: Gainesville, FL
Todd,
This is a very common problem with the 351M and 400M.
They suffer from pre-detonation. If you turn the timing back you will solve your problem. Unfortunately, you'll cause another. It will be slower than a Chevy. I found that running the motor as cool as possible helps, a little. Running higher octane gas helps, slightly, but its expensive. I went down to the store and bought the biggest battery they had, 1000 CCA. That helped the most. I believe its the design of the M heads that causes this hard warm start.
Consider it,
KingFisher
This is a very common problem with the 351M and 400M.
They suffer from pre-detonation. If you turn the timing back you will solve your problem. Unfortunately, you'll cause another. It will be slower than a Chevy. I found that running the motor as cool as possible helps, a little. Running higher octane gas helps, slightly, but its expensive. I went down to the store and bought the biggest battery they had, 1000 CCA. That helped the most. I believe its the design of the M heads that causes this hard warm start.
Consider it,
KingFisher
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