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Hard To Start After Warming Up

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rock711

Hard To Start After Warming Up

Hey all, I've got an issue where my 86 F-150 (manual) is having a hard time starting after it's been warmed up. As in, I start it at home, get to where I'm going, and then successive starts are very sluggish. Battery is strong and turns right over on a cold start.

Anyone have any idea what might be going on?

– Jeff

1986 F-150 XLT Lariat shortbed 4x4
5.0L 302 CID EFI V-8

Gary Lewis

Re: Hard To Start After Warming Up

Administrator

That's a classic starter-dragging issue. The bearings on the starter get worn and when the starter gets hot the armature is just large enough from expansion that it drags. But when it cools it shrinks just enough to miss. For a while.

Not all starter tests will find that, but most will if they spin it for a bit and let it warm up.

Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

Dad's: '81 F150 Ranger XLT 4x4: Down for restomod: Full-roller "stroked 351M" w/Trick Flow heads & intake, EEC-V SEFI/E4OD/3.50 gears w/Kevlar clutches
Blue: 2015 F150 Platinum 4x4 SuperCrew wearing Blue Jeans & sporting a 3.5L EB & Max Tow
Big Blue: 1985 F250HD 4x4: 460/ZF5/3.55's, D60 w/Ox locker & 10.25 Sterling/Trutrac, Blue Top & Borgeson, & EEC-V MAF/SEFI

1986F150Six

Re: Hard To Start After Warming Up

Administrator

When this happens, quickly disable the ignition coil and attempt to restart. If the starter motor spins the engine freely, your timing may be too advanced.

Gary Lewis

Re: Hard To Start After Warming Up

Administrator

Good point, David!

Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

vjsimone

Re: Hard To Start After Warming Up

In reply to this post by 1986F150Six

Probably a good time to disconnect the SpOut connector and check the base timing.

Vinny... "Do All Scheduled Maintenance Prior To Troubleshooting" "Resolve All Known Issues Prior To Troubleshooting"

rock711

Re: Hard To Start After Warming Up

Thanks guys. I'll give these a shot!

– Jeff

1986 F-150 XLT Lariat shortbed 4x4
5.0L 302 CID EFI V-8

85lebaront2

Re: Hard To Start After Warming Up

Administrator

If the starter is bad, a recommendation is to do away with the moveable pole piece one and get a later model PMGR starter. If yours is automatic, a 1990 Lincoln Town Car one is perfect for it. There is a small bit of rewiring at the starter relay, but it is fairly easy.

Bill AKA "LOBO" Profile

"Getting old is inevitable, growing up is optional" Darth Vader 1986 F350 460 converted to MAF/SEFI, E4OD 12X3 1/2 rear brakes, traction loc 3:55 gear, 160 amp 3G alternator Wife's 2011 Flex Limited Daily Driver 2009 Flex Limited with factory tow package Project car 1986 Chrysler LeBaron convertible 2.2L Turbo II, modified A413

Starliner

Re: Hard To Start After Warming Up

In reply to this post by rock711

worst case scenario for me when this happened with the 429 engine in my t-bird was that the rings were bad, expanding in the cylinder, then labored starting, then when it cooled off it started.

Fairly uncommon issue, highly unlikely it is this!

JOE
1984 F250 HD 2wd auto w/air,
351W, 2bbl, Dana 60 3.73, no EEC

rock711

Re: Hard To Start After Warming Up

In reply to this post by Gary Lewis

Late reply, but you were right, Gary. I pulled the cheap starter out that I got from Advance and replaced it with a refurbished Motorcraft. Night and day. Starts every time now. Thanks!

– Jeff

1986 F-150 XLT Lariat shortbed 4x4
5.0L 302 CID EFI V-8

Gary Lewis

Re: Hard To Start After Warming Up

Administrator

This post was updated on .

Excellent! Not that I was right, but that you got the problem solved.

Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

grumpin

Re: Hard To Start After Warming Up

Dane
1986 F250HD SC XLT Lariat 4x4 460 C6-Sold
1992 Bronco XLT 4x4 351W E4OD
1998 GMC Sierra SLE K1500 350 4L60E
Arizona

Starliner

Re: Hard To Start After Warming Up

The distributor I got from Advance is a complete piece of garbage. What good is a lifetime warranty on a turd, they will give you a replacement turd.
I get we really do get what we pay for.

JOE
1984 F250 HD 2wd auto w/air,
351W, 2bbl, Dana 60 3.73, no EEC

86 1/2 Brutus

Re: Hard To Start After Warming Up

Check the starter first, i've had that happen on Brutus and the Ranchero

Nick and George
1986 1/2 F150 XLT Lariat 4X2 300 Six - C6 - 3:08 in a 8.8 - Fully Loaded - 8 Foot Box
Owned since new