Starter problems
Mountain Pass
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 120
Likes: 2
From: PA
Starter problems
I have a 1985 F-150 300ci that has periodic hard starting problems. Most of the time the problem occurs after a ten or fifteen minute shut down time. Like stopping at a store for a short time and then restarting the engine. Sometimes the starter just barely turns over. In the 12 years I have owned this truck it has been hard on batteries. I have checked the rear bushing for wear, thinking it may be worn out and the armature was rubbing on the field causing the hard starting. I use around a 800 cca battery, as a lower one will not last long. Has anyone ever experienced a similar problem with the 300 six? Does the starter need a heat shield as the exhaust pipe is near it? Suggestions appreciated.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 335
Likes: 0
From: Hutto 20 mi. above Austin USA
Starter problems
Do you ever leave on your radio, or AC.
I used to do it in my old truck, and it had no problem, but when i got my '82 I had to break the habit, and turn off the CD player, and AC. etc.
I used to do it in my old truck, and it had no problem, but when i got my '82 I had to break the habit, and turn off the CD player, and AC. etc.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 1,100
Likes: 0
From: Durham
Starter problems
I had a similar problem and it ended up being a bad cell in the battery, but it sounds like you've changed batteries several times. Check the voltage regulator and the drawing apmerage when you crank the engine. Also check for any transient leaks after the engine has been shut down. (test light on the battery to show current draw with ignition off) You typically won't overheat the starter with a stock exhaust, but the starter heat shield wraps are pretty inexpensive. Also, consider a quality starter, many starters are rebuilt with poor quality parts, you may consider getting a new one or one of those hi-torque starters.
'82 F150 w/351W (orig 300 I6)
Slik
'82 F150 w/351W (orig 300 I6)
Slik
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 1,525
Likes: 1
Starter problems
Inspect your cable ends to see if battery acid has migrated into the lead terminal as well as the jacket of the cable. If you find this to be a fact, cut the factory ends off and put some emergency repair terminals to try for a few days.If the problem goes away, then you know you'll need new cable soon. Put one step bigger cables when you do, that way, you can actually use every bit of that 800 amp battery you run.
Phillip
Phillip
New User
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: I live in Lakewood Colorado a suburg of Denver
Starter problems
I have an F-150 and I had were the battery would sound as if it was going dead and I had it checked and found out the battery was no good and replaced it. The new battery worked fine and then after stopping and shutting the motor off for 10 min and it would do the same thing and finally it would not start. I check my cables to the battery and the cylindnod and cleaned off all the connections with a wire brush and the problem went away and the battery sounded stronger also.
davida
davida
New User
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Starter problems
I had this problem with my "83 300. After a battery and replacing the starter, the guy at the rebuild shop said it looked like my starter gear was rubbing the flywheel. He showed me arc shaped brush markes on the gear. I shimmed my starter and the problem went away. Good luck
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