My '89 F-250 is coming along, but has recurring problems with the starter, A new one works until it gets hot for a long period then it seems to draw too much current, then won't crank my 351W at all. Anyone have an idea as to what's happening here? Thanks
- the old artist and his old truck. Earlier advice has always been exact & detailed...really appreciated !

 

Is it a new starter or a rebuilt ??

On many rebuilts, they fail to replace the armature bushings which causes slow crank when hot.

Also, make sure all connections are clean and secure.

 

The first one was rebuilt while I waited at an armature shop...it might have been the original and I though it better to have a shop do it. It failed 200 miles from home last Sat. Replaced it with O'Reily's 'upgrade' $65 lifetime warranty starter. It made it about 24 hrs. Cranked too slow on the return trip..then spun nicely. I knew it was doing the same thing others have done and figured I'd better get to the bottom of it. 'Recon I spent too little on a starter? My regular mechanic also recommended checking the ground wire, battery terminals and even alternator output. Until I fix this, do you think I'll just need to let it all cool down if I get stranded again?
I don't seem to have any trouble around town...just on long hauls.

Thanks for your help. My '89 represents a sort of ark to me..symbolic truck. I let her sit up for 6 years, wouldn't sell because I knew the 351 Winsor was practically perfect. Since starting restoration last Dec, I have, so far, replaced the plugs, wires, windshield, fan clutch, air conditioning pump, brake cylenders, both gas tanks and fuel pumps, filter, starter (s) battery and alternator.

-artist

 

Make sure it is the correct starter, Make sure the cable from the battery to the starter is good and make sure terminals are clean. Does the battery have a high enough cranking amps. Ford starters will not work with much of a voltage drop. When you take the starter back to the parts store have them load test it. Make sure that there is no kind of a bind when it is installed.

 

Thanks 60F. I'll do these steps and report back but it's likely going to take a trip to really test if all of the recommended measures work. I'll start there and take along a new starter on the next trip. I will not be stranded in my Ford.

 

Has the ignition timing changed? If the timing is too far advanced it will exhibit the symptoms you describe. Just A thought.

 

If it leaves you stuck somewhere, whack it with a hammer.

Don't forget to take your hammer.

 

Artruck do you have a resolution to your problem yet?

 

Another thing you may want to check is the exaust pipe. How close to the starter does it run? In my old Dodge, I had this same issue. It turned out that there was supposed to be a heat sheild between the exaust and the starter that was removed before I got it. Pulled one from a bone yard and never had the problem again. Not too sure if your truck had one or not but if you have custom exaust or it is running hot, it will cause the starter to bind up and swell. Just a thought. Hope it helps.