Starting Problems
Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Jul 2002
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Starting Problems
OK, it wasn't just the battery. The bigger battery I installed started the truck fine the first couple of times, but when the truck got warm, no dice. I stalled at a stoplight, and couldn't get it started. I pushed it off the highway, and tried to get a jump from another truck. The starter turned over VERY SLOOOWLY. Insulation on the positive wire from battery to starter solenoid melted. Lots of amps, where are they going? Now, it won't turn at all. When turning the key, there is a loud click (solenoid?) and nothing else. What's broke?:-(
Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 1,024
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From: Elon, NC
Starting Problems
Can you get someone to turn the key while you listen under the hood to see where the click is? (Not as hard as it sounds, the click is pretty easy to isolate). Just be sure to watch any turning parts if the engine were to happen to turn. I'm betting it's the starter.
Ron
Ron
New User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 0
Likes: 24
Starting Problems
I would remove the starter and run bench tests.
I would think it is ready for an overhaul or replacing.
Also, May I offer a hint to posting here.
Please post follow-up info on the original thread for Ease
of following along.
Posting this follow-up can actually confuse people an keeping EVERYTHING organized can cure your problem faster.
Thanks,
[font color=red]Dennis
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I would think it is ready for an overhaul or replacing.
Also, May I offer a hint to posting here.
Please post follow-up info on the original thread for Ease
of following along.
Posting this follow-up can actually confuse people an keeping EVERYTHING organized can cure your problem faster.
Thanks,
[font color=red]Dennis
FTE Assistant Administrator
[/font]
[link: motorhaven.autoanything.com|How YOU Can Support This Site]
http://www.clubfte.com/users/mil1ion/canada_flag_animated.gif
[link:www.clubfte.com/users/mil1ion/Mil1ion.html|My Website,"North Of The 49th"]
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http://www.clubfte.com/users/mil1ion/Minimorleytruck.JPG
[font color=blue]78 F-150 429CJ,Silver,Explorer Pkg.
64 1/2 Mustang Pre-World's Fair Car #8092
68-Mustang 289 2v-Sunlit Gold
[/font]
Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 81
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Starting Problems
okay, sorry about the "posturing", I'm new to all this, following threads and all. I'll try to keep my etiquette straight.
Anyway, the starter was toast. I replaced it with a rebuilt one (cheaper than a battery! I should have tried that first.) with a lifetime warranty. While the starter was off, I noticed that the exhaust pipe was not very firmly attached to the right exhaust manifold...the gap was right next to the starter. Tightened it up real good.
Could this be the cause of my several problems? Seems the starter used to work fine until the truck was warm...maybe the exhaust leak was cooking the starter? Maybe it was warming the engine compartment too much, too?
I hope I've solved some problems, and the truck runs for a while. Thanks for all the help and advice!
Anyway, the starter was toast. I replaced it with a rebuilt one (cheaper than a battery! I should have tried that first.) with a lifetime warranty. While the starter was off, I noticed that the exhaust pipe was not very firmly attached to the right exhaust manifold...the gap was right next to the starter. Tightened it up real good.
Could this be the cause of my several problems? Seems the starter used to work fine until the truck was warm...maybe the exhaust leak was cooking the starter? Maybe it was warming the engine compartment too much, too?
I hope I've solved some problems, and the truck runs for a while. Thanks for all the help and advice!
New User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 0
Likes: 24
Starting Problems
Wow,I was right!
Will wonders never cease?
I suggest buying a wrap-around heat shield for it, like the guys with headers have,this will extend the life of the starter.
[font color=red]Dennis
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[font color=blue]78 F-150 429CJ,Silver,Explorer Pkg.
64 1/2 Mustang Pre-World's Fair Car #8092
68-Mustang 289 2v-Sunlit Gold
[/font]
Will wonders never cease?
I suggest buying a wrap-around heat shield for it, like the guys with headers have,this will extend the life of the starter.
[font color=red]Dennis
FTE Assistant Administrator
[/font]
[link: motorhaven.autoanything.com|How YOU Can Support This Site]
http://www.clubfte.com/users/mil1ion/canada_flag_animated.gif
[link:www.clubfte.com/users/mil1ion/Mil1ion.html|My Website,"North Of The 49th"]
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http://www.clubfte.com/users/mil1ion/Minimorleytruck.JPG
[font color=blue]78 F-150 429CJ,Silver,Explorer Pkg.
64 1/2 Mustang Pre-World's Fair Car #8092
68-Mustang 289 2v-Sunlit Gold
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Trending Topics
New User
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: East Side!!
Starting Problems
I'm currently having the "slow-or-no starting once warm" problem as well on my '86 302 EFI. I'm pretty sure the hot exhaust pipe running right next to the starter is causing my problem as well. To top it off, it appears that there's an exhaust leak at that same spot. I'll be doing a little homemade fabrication of a heat shield and let you guys know if this is the problem. After reading a bunch of other posts like this, this appears to be a common problem on these trucks. Maybe a little preventive maintenance would do everybody some good -- even if you're not having these problems right now. It'll definitely extend the life of your starter and could keep you from being stranded later on.
-Winston
-Winston
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