Starter Problem
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,008
Likes: 1
From: Tucson
Starter Problem
67 F-100 352 timed at 10 btdc
I have headers on my 352 and suspect this is the problem. My kid got stranded today and the truck wouldn't start until it sat for awhile. Anyhow, when the truck is hot (normal temp but just driven) the starter sort of binds. It's like trying to start a truck with a dead battery. I suspect the starter is bad but the headers don't rest right on the starter so there is some air passage. What do you think?
jor
I have headers on my 352 and suspect this is the problem. My kid got stranded today and the truck wouldn't start until it sat for awhile. Anyhow, when the truck is hot (normal temp but just driven) the starter sort of binds. It's like trying to start a truck with a dead battery. I suspect the starter is bad but the headers don't rest right on the starter so there is some air passage. What do you think?
jor
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 609
Likes: 0
From: Watauga TEXAS
Starter Problem
I've seen starters drag like that when they get hot. Don't blame the headers- the ones I've seen have stock exhaust. It's just one of the things that can go wrong with an old starter. They get worn to the point that normal engine heat has an adverse effect on them.
Before you condemn the starter, though, check all your cable connections. Don't just look at them and jiggle the wire. Disconnect them and take a wire brush or a screwdriver and scratch up all the mating surfaces.
Joe
Before you condemn the starter, though, check all your cable connections. Don't just look at them and jiggle the wire. Disconnect them and take a wire brush or a screwdriver and scratch up all the mating surfaces.
Joe
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 306
Likes: 1
From: Hollister, CA
Starter Problem
Like the previous post mentioned clean the cable ends and check the condition. Make sure everything is tight. I've had problems with bad cheap soleniods - Accel makes a good HD unit. I also run a 800 CCA battery with a insulating blanket on the starter. A quality rebuilt starter also helps.
Reggie
Reggie
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,008
Likes: 1
From: Tucson
Starter Problem
Thanks for the advice. I'll pull and clean all of the cables this weekend. Re the solenoid, I always thought they work or don't work, just a switch. In other words, if all you get is a click (like my son's Toyoto but that's another story) the solenoid is bad. If you get a clickety click, it's a dead battery. Pretty simplistic I guess. So, would a defective solenoid display the symptoms I have described?
jor
jor
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 306
Likes: 1
From: Hollister, CA
Starter Problem
I had a 1969 Mercury Cougar with a hopped up 351W that had a hot start problem. After replacing the starter and battery, I used a short piece of battery cable and jumped around the soleniod and the motor turned over with no problem. Replaced the soleniod, and life was better.
Like any other switch, the contacts can go bad after a while. You need to make sure all of your contacts between the battery and starter are in good shape. I've also had this problem on a stock 351C.
Reggie
Like any other switch, the contacts can go bad after a while. You need to make sure all of your contacts between the battery and starter are in good shape. I've also had this problem on a stock 351C.
Reggie
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,960
Likes: 5
From: All over Texas
Starter Problem
I've had plenty of hot start problems too (with new starter, battery, solenoid, regulator, alternator, cables, etc). Here's what I did. I ditched the 550 CCA battery and installed a 1000+ CCA big rig battery, ran 2 gauge cables, installed a new (additional) 4 gauge cable ground from the block to the truck frame, and cleaned all the paint from grounding surfaces.....so far so good even in Houston heat.
I don't know exactly which of the above new components is the most effective, but this old truck turns over FAST now. I suspect that the huge battery has something to do with it.
I don't know exactly which of the above new components is the most effective, but this old truck turns over FAST now. I suspect that the huge battery has something to do with it.
New User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 0
Likes: 24
Starter Problem
With all the reports of people with headers having starter problems,I would definitely get some heat wrap for the starter.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,115
Likes: 1
From: seattle us
Starter Problem
Since it seems to run ok once cool, I would agree with your initial assement of heat problems. Ford starters are not known as some of the most durable, but some kind of heat shield would be easy to make and cheap. I would do it and see how it works. Being stranded is no fun.
If the problem persists, and you've eliminated poor contacts, etc., then test the starter (some auto parts stores do this for free). If your heat shield requires starter removal, then that would also be a good time to test it.
Good Luck!
If the problem persists, and you've eliminated poor contacts, etc., then test the starter (some auto parts stores do this for free). If your heat shield requires starter removal, then that would also be a good time to test it.
Good Luck!
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