Hot Engine starter cranking problem
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New User
Joined: Feb 2005
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Hot Engine starter cranking problem
Recently I have experienced a weird problem with my 1976 F100 6 cylinder. I can start the truck but it acts like the battery is low and if I trun on the radio or defroster for 10 -15 minutes while the truck is running and then turn off the truck, I turn the ignition and there appears to be not enough juice to turn the starter. I cannot restart the truck until I let it sit for 15-30 minutes and then I can restart it but as it truns over the battery seems low. I have a new alternator, voltage regulator and a brand new battery ( that I have removed and had it tested and it shows 900+ cranking power and reads a good battery). In fact I recently put in a new starter relay and the truck has a new starter also. This problem seems consistent, I can let the truck sit for a couple ofdays, go start it up and then do the same thing put a load on it, like turn on the radio or defroster, let it run, turn it off, and it will not restart, seems that the battery is just dead, but it is not, becasue I take it out and have it tested right then and it is good. The battery is a 1,000 cranking amp battery so it should work fine. Any ideas on what is going on?
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 767
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From: Franklin, GA
First I would disconnect and clean the battery cable ends and what they are connected to to assure good electrical contact. Especially the ground cable where it attaches to the engine block. Wire brush the block and cable. If your cables are old they may be corroded enough to warrant replacing with new ones. They break down over years of use.
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Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Cincinnati
Several conditions can cause such a problem. One is a drained battery. Even if the charging system is in good working order, a short could drain the battery to the point where it has a difficult time starting the engine. Try placing jumper wires on it, then crank the engine. Does the engine seem to crank over normally when jumped?
Another problem that can cause the engine to crank slowly is improper timing. In this situation the engine works against the starter.
Misalignment of the starter is another condition that can cause hard starting, but is not likely to come and go with each attempt. With this situation the starter binds against the flywheel causing excessive current draw.
Although rare, the engine could be excessively tight causing the starter to work harder.
And of course the starter itself or the wiring going to it may be defective.
Please write backand let us know what you find.
John24255
Another problem that can cause the engine to crank slowly is improper timing. In this situation the engine works against the starter.
Misalignment of the starter is another condition that can cause hard starting, but is not likely to come and go with each attempt. With this situation the starter binds against the flywheel causing excessive current draw.
Although rare, the engine could be excessively tight causing the starter to work harder.
And of course the starter itself or the wiring going to it may be defective.
Please write backand let us know what you find.
John24255
New User
Joined: Jan 2008
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I suggest looking closely at the battery cables to verify there isn't any corrosion under the insulation where ithey hook to the battery.
The other thing to check is the Ground cable where it attaches on the engine block.
The other thing to check is the Ground cable where it attaches on the engine block.
Freshman User
Joined: May 2004
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Think I had the same problem with my 400. After the truck ran for a while and I turned the truck off, when I tried to restart it soon afterwards the starter would engage and start turning the motor, then hesitate or slow way down and finally start. Asked a mechanic friend about it and he said timing or carburetion (something about the fuel not being properly atomized). Don't know which was the problem since I put on a reman carb and did a tune up together. No problem any more.
If the timing checks and there isn't a problem with the battery cables, give the carburetor a shot.
If the timing checks and there isn't a problem with the battery cables, give the carburetor a shot.
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A possible cause
I had the charging system load tested. Looks like the charging system is working ok. Everything works fine except when you turn on the fan for the heater. It drains the battery. I may have a serious short in the fan motor and may have to replace that component. Oh what fun, I get to tear my dash apart.
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Senior User
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From: Cincinnati
shadfisher2002,
You know what's worse than tearing your dash apart? Doing so then finding you did have to.
You may want to place a amp meter on the motor leads before tearing it out. You may find you have a wire rubbing ground.
Best of luck
John24255
You know what's worse than tearing your dash apart? Doing so then finding you did have to.
You may want to place a amp meter on the motor leads before tearing it out. You may find you have a wire rubbing ground.
Best of luck
John24255
