Greetings,

My '88 F-150 just started this unique problem and it has me a bit baffled so I thought I'd throw it out here to see if anyone had heard of this before. It starts fine when it is cold/cooler, but when it is hot and/or after it has ran for a while it has problems starting. Now, the weird part; it acts like the battery is dead, but this isn't the case because after it sits, it starts fine again. All the troubleshooting things I have read similar to this problem explain about a fuel or carburator problem of some kind, but this isn't it, those problems just don't start but the car will have plenty of 'juice' to turn iver the engine, mine just doesn't have it after running for a bit. At first I thought it electrical, but of course that would be an issue at anytime, at least I would think.

Any help? I sure would appreciate it!

 

Hot engines are harder to turn over than cold ones. If your timing is advanced too much this is especally true. If the engine won't turn when hot but letting it cool down gets it going than you might have a bad starter or at least one that can't turn a lot of torque

 

Thanks for the info! I found this information out in a net search last night and you have confirmed it - makes complete sense and I've ordered a new (reman.) starter and solenoid to replace it.

I appreciate the response greatly!

 

I just read your post about hot starting. If the starter swap doesnt work, check your ground coming off the battery. It really helps if you can get it hot, then have someone else try cranking it for you, while they are cranking, watch where the ground connects to the engine, if ya see sparks this could be your problem. I know this after many mechanical checks, new battery(1000cca's), new starter, new solenoid, and being stranded several times.


Good Luck,
Tom

 

Thanks for the added info - the new starter did the trick, all wiring looked good when I inspected it while the starter and such was out.

Take care!