problem starting when hot
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New User
Joined: May 2005
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problem starting when hot
i have a 1988 F-150 with a 4.9 and my problem is when after it gets hot and you turn it off it doesn't want to start. It's like when your batterie is low and just barly turns over the starter. It's not the starter it is bran new It would be nice if some one could shed some light on this for me.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 19,402
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From: Bonita Springs FL
Even brand new parts can be bad, especially if you get them from places like Autozone. It would have both the battery and starter tested out of the vehicle. If those come back fine, it might be the blower fan. In '87 - '89, there was a blower than cools the fuel injectors. It should switch on a couple minutes after the motor is shut off on hot days and run for maybe 10 minutes. If it's not working, it could be contributing to the problem. Also consider replacing the battery cables on a truck that old. They get abused pretty bad and can corrode from the inside out. They'll look fine from the outside, but they won't conduct enough electricity to start the truck sometimes.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2004
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Originally Posted by Ford05
it will start with a jump. it just draws too many amps for the batterie to handle. where is the blower fan located? is it by the batterie and about an inch thick.
Another thought is ignition base timing too advanced.
New User
Joined: Mar 2003
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Originally Posted by andym
it might be the blower fan. In '87 - '89, there was a blower than cools the fuel injectors. It should switch on a couple minutes after the motor is shut off on hot days and run for maybe 10 minutes. If it's not working, it could be contributing to the problem. .
Mine won't start with a jump..it has to cool for 30 minutes or so..then starts normally.
perhaps that blower fan is my problem, God knows I've changed everything else, so I'll give it a shot
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Elder User
Joined: Jul 2004
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Originally Posted by swabbie
where is that located? I have been having the same problem as the original poster for about a year now on my 87 150.
Mine won't start with a jump..it has to cool for 30 minutes or so..then starts normally.
perhaps that blower fan is my problem, God knows I've changed everything else, so I'll give it a shot
Mine won't start with a jump..it has to cool for 30 minutes or so..then starts normally.
perhaps that blower fan is my problem, God knows I've changed everything else, so I'll give it a shot
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New User
Joined: Nov 2003
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same problem
I just fixed the same problem on my 89 f150 w/ 302.
I changed the starter, which I knew was about sot.
I had the alternator tested - was bad and I changed that.
Still had the problem.
I added an additional ground strap from the battery negative to the engine for a better ground. Still not fixed.
I cleaned all of the contacts on the starter relay.
Guess what? The ground to the starter relay ( the small push-on wire was almost broken.
I crimped a lug onto it and bolted it to the terminal.
Problem solved. I hope your fix is cheaper than mine!
I changed the starter, which I knew was about sot.
I had the alternator tested - was bad and I changed that.
Still had the problem.
I added an additional ground strap from the battery negative to the engine for a better ground. Still not fixed.
I cleaned all of the contacts on the starter relay.
Guess what? The ground to the starter relay ( the small push-on wire was almost broken.
I crimped a lug onto it and bolted it to the terminal.
Problem solved. I hope your fix is cheaper than mine!
Guest
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 7,988
Likes: 55
From: north west new jersey
you could also run a new wire from the starter relay on the fire wall to the starter sol. ford is famous for that wire going bad . if you cut the end off you will find some thing like battery acid building up inside the wire. i also use a heavyer gauge" number 8 or 10" wire from a marine store that is tined inside to help stop the problem.
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,467
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From: N. Gwinnett Co. Georgia
The reason I came to this board was a problem just like this. It (as posted above) was the engine to chassis ground. Turned one 9/16" nut and Presto, problem solved. Make sure all the flat braided grounds from engine to chassis are secure.
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 11,289
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From: Lakewood, Ohio
Originally Posted by tex94F250
The reason I came to this board was a problem just like this. It (as posted above) was the engine to chassis ground. Turned one 9/16" nut and Presto, problem solved. Make sure all the flat braided grounds from engine to chassis are secure.
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 11,289
Likes: 6
From: Lakewood, Ohio
Originally Posted by swabbie
Tex, if thats the culprit, wouldn't it do it on cold starts too?
at this point, I'm up for any ideas. This damn thing has stranded me for the last time.
at this point, I'm up for any ideas. This damn thing has stranded me for the last time.
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,467
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From: N. Gwinnett Co. Georgia
quicklook2 is right on. Heat increases resistance and requires more ampherage to overcome. In my case the ground was completely loose. Cold, turn the key and off we go, after running for 5 minutes, nothing.