Hot start problem? fuel, electrical?
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New User
Joined: Aug 2004
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Hot start problem? fuel, electrical?
I have a 79 f-150 short bed 4x4 with a 400. I'm in need of a little help. The engine will not turn, or turns like it has a dead/low battery immediatly after driving, however after it sets for 3-4 minutes it starts up just fine. It also seems to be running hot at highway speeds. What been done: electrical - replaced starter, altenater, battery, battery cables, and solinoide. Cooling - replaced thermostate, and radiator.
I was told that a engine needs rebuilt or replaced any input would be appreciated
I was told that a engine needs rebuilt or replaced any input would be appreciated
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New User
Joined: Aug 2004
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I did check the timing, and took it in to have it timed at the shop because i could not make out the numbers (rusted and worn) it did not fix the problem. I tried later thinking they did not get it right, however now the distributer will not budge with the hold down bolt loose. Is it possible the distributer is bad?
Moderator
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 22,436
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From: Louisville,Ky.
You could have a starter starting to fail, bad cables(even though they look good, my Mustang had a bad ground cable that did the same thing) or bad cable connections to the starter or block.
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 71
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From: I live in Morgantown, WV
are you running headers? if your starter gets too hot, such as after driving down the highway, the brushes will start to fail, I had the same problem with my 79. I actually temp fixed the problem when I was younger by gettin a napa lifetime starter, just let it burn up, and take it back.. Sorry Napa 
.. Anyways, just food for the thought.
.. Anyways, just food for the thought.
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Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
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A heat shield can be fabricated for a starter, I think you can even buy some material.
What type of ignition system do you have?
What type of ignition system do you have?
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2001
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From: Gainesville, FL
All,
I have a 78 F150 400/FMX.
I had identical problem. Slow hot restart. Motor runs hot.
Strangely enough, all I did was, install a motor to cab ground.
The truck still starts slow hot but the problem is greatly reduced and the truck runs cool as can be.
Here's what happened:
The only ground for the cab is through the temp sending unit wire. This wire carries all the current for ground and makes the gage read hot. Of course, the motor is just fine.
You may also notice that your instrument lights no longer flicker. Your fan motor runs stronger.
Good luck,
KingFisher
I have a 78 F150 400/FMX.
I had identical problem. Slow hot restart. Motor runs hot.
Strangely enough, all I did was, install a motor to cab ground.
The truck still starts slow hot but the problem is greatly reduced and the truck runs cool as can be.
Here's what happened:
The only ground for the cab is through the temp sending unit wire. This wire carries all the current for ground and makes the gage read hot. Of course, the motor is just fine.
You may also notice that your instrument lights no longer flicker. Your fan motor runs stronger.
Good luck,
KingFisher
New User
Joined: Aug 2004
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Ignition Control Module?
I had a '79 Bronco w/ a 351 m, it would start and run fine, then get a little hot and shutdown. It would turn over but not start, and sometimes not even turn over. I'd let it sit awhile, she'd fire up fine. I replaced the ignition control module, problem solved.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,371
Likes: 10
From: Green Springs, OH
My truck does the same thing I put a new starter and still have the problem just need to re route the starter wire cause it runs on the inside of the frame right by the manifold the wire gets way too hot and causes high resistance thus being slow to turn over. I have another question though when I have driven my truck and it is good and hot and let the truck sit say for five minutes and go to start it will just crank and crank like it is flooded I give it a little gas and it fires and then runs rough due to too much fuel in the carb. Could this be the result of fuel vaporizing in the line and carb due to heat. Cause when it is cold I just give it a few pumps and its good. I have an edelbrock 1406 and new factory ignition box, accel super coil, open element air cleaner My timng is set to proper setting according to ford at 12btdc The engine is a 400 and C6 tranny.
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,404
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From: Cleveland, WI USA
I spent several weeks getting my 78 f150 460 4x4 to overcome this problem. Of all the things I replaced, the battery cables made the biggest difference. Get 'em as thick as you can. Also, make yourself a heat shield as suggested using a few pieces of sheet metal and some fiberglass insulation. Pop rivet the pieces together with the insulation in between.
Ultimately, I determined it was the timing causing the whole problem. To check this, get it nice and hot and shut it off. Try to turn it over. If it's hard starting, pull the coil wire and try again. If it turns over nice and fast, timing is your problem.
Hope this helps.
Kevin K.
Ultimately, I determined it was the timing causing the whole problem. To check this, get it nice and hot and shut it off. Try to turn it over. If it's hard starting, pull the coil wire and try again. If it turns over nice and fast, timing is your problem.
Hope this helps.
Kevin K.