StarRrRrRrRting problems.

[72bumbee]

Trying not to worry about things that don't matter is easy.... but... My truck seems to start a bit slow after running for awhile.
Here is the scenario. I start the truck in the morning. runs great. take a drive. runs great. stop at the store, come back out, hop in, does the old.. rrrrRRRRrrrrrRRRR...
I pump the gas, and it cranks slower and slower like the battery is dying a slow death of crankitis... then all of a sudden it starts cranking faster then starts up and runs like a champ. What could be causing this?

[TNIceWolf]

Weak battery or incorrect timing would be my guess

[70_F100]

Or.... It could be that the starter is getting too hot from the exhaust.

Would give the same symptoms as a weak battery.

[cep62]

Make sure you have clean terminals and get some heavy battery cables.
Heavy cables will flow more power.

[72bumbee]

New battery, and just had it re checked last week and it checked out. what about this hot starter thing?
Never heard of that happening before.
Steve

[72bumbee]

just had the garage do the timing also and adjust the carb

[fordman]

my truck had hot starter syndrome. i changed the starter and it stopped problem. mine was a old worn starter.

[cep62]

The starter gets hot from driving and it takes more power to turn over. After it cools down it spins faster. Headers can make more heat and enhance the problem. If that's the case you can make a heat shield. Loose or dirty connections can decrease the flow of electricity.

[72bumbee]

well, no headers on this old rig, just stock stuff. maybe a new starter in my future, or should I be looking at cooling issues?

[70_F100]

It still could be getting too hot, even with stock exhaust, especially if there is, in fact, a problem with the starter.

Take the truck to Advance or Auto China and have them test the starter.

Only takes a couple of minutes, and it's free.

They can tell how much current it's drawing. Plus, if they tell you it's bad, and it turns out that replacing it doesn't cure it, you should be able to return it since it would be their recommendation.

If you just go buy one without having yours tested and it doesn't cure the problem, you're stuck with it...

[ToughOldFord]

"then all of a sudden it starts cranking faster"

That tells you your starter is on it's was out, time to replace.

[72bumbee]

yeehaw...how easy is that???

[fordman]

prettty easy. disconnect the battery first. use an extension on the top bolt. long enought to reach just past the end of the strater.

[72bumbee]

I take it I will be working from underneath the truck? How long of an extension will I need? You think I should beef up the battery cables too? I notice the ground from the solenoid is getting scorched by the exhaust. I tied it up with a zip tie, but it still is right there between the manifold.Is there another way to protect that, like with an asbestos sleeve or something similar?
So many questions, so little time.
Thanks again!
Steve

[72bumbee]

will oil or anything ooze out of the area where the starter comes out? I worry about surprises when I am under the monster! HAHA