starting problem
New User
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
starting problem
I have a 79 f-250 with a 351m, I have saved it from the weeds and replaced alot of parts, but i still cant seem to get this starting thing down. I have it where it starts great cold. it has a new battery, and starter. Carb had been rebuilt still problems there. the problem is that after it gets hot Ie (drive it 10-15 miles) and you turn the key off and try and restart it it barely will turn over sometimes it will start sometimes it won't, acts like battery is dead. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes and it starts better. I have checked the timing the best i can if i retard it anymore it backfires through the carb when you give it gas. It use to do this before now it does pervious, when starting it warm it will turn over and for about 10-15 seconds before it will start. Any help would be great i hate being stuck when it wont start. Ready to replace dist and all if needed.
Tuned
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 432
Likes: 0
From: Lexington
starting problem
I do not know if this will help, but my '78 F-250 w/ 351M would do the same thing (not start after hot) and I pulled the vacuum advance hose off of the distributor (made a whoosh sound), replaced it, and it started right up! Worked for me on more than one occasion, guess I need to find the source of the vacuum "retention".....another one of those 'round-to-its I guess! 
Doc
Doc
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 219
Likes: 0
From: Richmond USA
starting problem
Since you mentioned that it has been sitting in the weeds for a while, replace all of your battery cables, negatives and positives.
Sounds like a case of corrosion.
Dre'
1978 F-150, 460ci(750cfm,Edelbrock Performer,Dynomax Ceramic Coated headers,etc.)Auto-C6,3:70.1 - 9" Posi.
Sounds like a case of corrosion.
Dre'
1978 F-150, 460ci(750cfm,Edelbrock Performer,Dynomax Ceramic Coated headers,etc.)Auto-C6,3:70.1 - 9" Posi.
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 2,838
Likes: 6
From: SD
starting problem
[font color=red size=2]I had this same hot start problem on two different occasions with my '73 390.
The first time it was when I put on a new 4 barrel carb. The carb was getting too hot and perculating, thus flooding the engine when it was sitting. If I held the gas pedal to the floor when starting it would start right up. So I put a 1" plastic spacer between the carb and manifold (about $15), cured that problem.
The second time it was a weak starter, would start fine cold, but would barely turn over when it was hot. New cables didn't help me, so I got a new starter and it has worked ever since.
Just a thought.
Marty
"Cleverly Disguised as a Responsible Adult"[/font]
The first time it was when I put on a new 4 barrel carb. The carb was getting too hot and perculating, thus flooding the engine when it was sitting. If I held the gas pedal to the floor when starting it would start right up. So I put a 1" plastic spacer between the carb and manifold (about $15), cured that problem.
The second time it was a weak starter, would start fine cold, but would barely turn over when it was hot. New cables didn't help me, so I got a new starter and it has worked ever since.
Just a thought.
Marty
"Cleverly Disguised as a Responsible Adult"[/font]
New User
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
starting problem
Well I changed the neg and postive cables from battery, and i changed the starter cable. It has helped but still turns real slow, but atleast it will start now. Wait i might not want to say that i havent taken any long trips yet. Anymore suggestion when i strated with this truck 2 years ago it was a frame in the weeds and cab. I have been able too drive it almost 10,000 over the last 6 months. But still needs lots of work. Sad part will be i have to leave for germany for three years and will have to sell it in 6 months. This is one strong truck when it wants.
