I've had my 1986 Aerostar van for about 10 years. It's had a lot of work done on it from new heads when I overheated a couple years ago, automatic overdrive transmission rebuilt, new ignition parts recently (coil, distributor, ignition relay) and then properly timed ("spout" plug disconnected). The problem I'm having has just started, and it occurred just yesterday night when we had a strong downpour. The first time it cranked very slow, but after a couple attempts seemed to gain some starting revolutions and started. When I shut 'er down a few minutes later, would restart like nothing wrong. Tonight at work (I'm a night worker) went out about 1 1/2 hours after arriving to see if she would start OK. This time when I turned the key, I got the dreaded "clicking" sound, and then a couple more attempts it turned over very slow and then seemed to pick up and "catch" and started. I moved it to another parking spot so I won't be disabled in my bosses' spot. Shut her down, and would restart right away at full cranking speed. I remember changing the starter approx. 2 years ago with a Autolite brand reman. I seem to recall a cover of some sort behind the battery, covering various relays, starter solenoid, etc., but it's not there now (I think a former mechanic left it off). I've also checked the battery terminals and they are tight and no excessive corrosion. Does anyone have any idea what I can hone in on

 

remove, clean and tighten battery connections and ground cable point
take it to Autozone or one of the other parts houses that test batteries, starters, starter solenoids for free. cold wet fall weather stresses starting systems. have them measure start current draw and battery total capacity. going to be a test, analyze and eliminate troubleshooting repair
strike the cold part
mahalo

 

Thanks 96_4wdr. Here I go again thinking/expecting the worst, i.e. starter, solenoid, body ground, etc. It was actually the battery Had one bad cell. Thanks for responding so quick, Larry

 

Larry,
you're welcome, what we are here for, my Aero would be long gone and sold if not for all the help here at the Aero forum
how's the surf?
we are making our yearly migration to Kauai next month to escape the rain
Cliff