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my truck startsgreat when cold, but shut it off after driving a while, go back five minutes later and "whir... whir... whir... whir,whir,whir, vroom! lately its getting worse. my battery sat idle for a long time, i replaced the alternator, had the system tested at checker,(not sure i trust their abilities).
i want to replace both alternator and battery, am i wrong? should i be checking starter? please help!
p.s. when the truck is hot and finally starts, the gauge almost pegs to the C end and then settles to normal(middle) after a few minutes.
Sounds like its "catching" on something while its trying to crank, almost like a weak battery would sound? If that's right, and its only doing it when hot, start by checking to make sure the timing is set right. Excessively advanced timing will produce those symptoms. If the timing is in spec, have the battery load tested. If the battery checks out, then question the the starter.
thank you for your help. i'll do a search and get the correct timing for my 351m.
i replaced the battery because i dont mind having a spare, but it didnt cure the problem. it might be nice if it is the timing because then my truck will also run better if set right. no?
Sound like the starter is having problems-but before you replace it, hot wire the starter solenoid with the battery cable underneath the truck (at the time when it won't crank), and if it cranks well, leave a post and I'll reply what to do (before replacing the starter), that costs a few bucks.