Hard Cranking at Start Up

[tvall]

Hi Bronco Gurus!

I had a new 302 installed back in January and have been loving it. Recently though, I've been having a hard time getting her to turn over. On a cold start, it doesn't seem to be too bad, but the "warm" starts seem to be more difficult to get her going. Once she's started there are no problems and she runs smooth. I went to start her up on Friday and the cranking has taken on a nasty sound, just real rough. My volt gauge also seems to be stuck on C now, just not sure if the gauge has gone bad or connected to the starting issues. Any help is appreciated!

Tim

 

[Digger556]

Hi Bronco Gurus!

I had a new 302 installed back in January and have been loving it. Recently though, I've been having a hard time getting her to turn over. On a cold start, it doesn't seem to be too bad, but the "warm" starts seem to be more difficult to get her going. Once she's started there are no problems and she runs smooth. I went to start her up on Friday and the cranking has taken on a nasty sound, just real rough. My volt gauge also seems to be stuck on C now, just not sure if the gauge has gone bad or connected to the starting issues. Any help is appreciated!

Tim

Is the starter having difficultly turning the engine over? What is your base timing? Too much base timing might work with a cold engine, but with a hot engine, it may be trying to drive the engine backwards because it's lighting the fuel/air mix too early.

 

[pcf_mark]

The later Ford gear reduction starters use less power and really crank the engine nice hot or cold. I would get a used one from an Explorer and see how you like that. Assuming your wiring is solid.

 

[73azbronco]

Check battery voltage. Check cables

 

[Skiddy]

Is the starter having difficultly turning the engine over? What is your base timing? Too much base timing might work with a cold engine, but with a hot engine, it may be trying to drive the engine backwards because it's lighting the fuel/air mix too early.

Check battery voltage. Check cables

I would bet it is one of these two

 

[SC74]

I ditto the timing.

 

[jckkys]

It sound like the starter motor is bad. The OE starter is perfectly good if it's in good shape. There's no reason to look at a later design. You could help us answer your questions by giving us some basic info ie. what year, engine, ignition, starter, etc. Most battery retailers like Sears or auto electric shops can quickly check the battery, starter, relay, wire connections, charging system, and any other probable cause.

 

[September 1972]

Fine suggestions but there are semantics at play. Tval might call a starter nasty sounding if it cranks slower or strains, which is accurate because it's cooking inside.

I call a starter nasty sounding when the starter relay doesn't release and I scramble out of the car to raise the hood and pull the coil wire. It happened to me years ago and lucky for me the starter gear was soft and my flywheel gear was hard but half of the ring gear tooth width belonged to the ages, but it worked, good old Ford.

Afterwards it occurred to me that if it happens again I would rev the motor quickly before climbing out because the sudden increase of the ring gear speed might wipe out the starter gear immediately with less ring gear damage.

I would check for loose starter bolts and pop the inspection cover and check the ring gear while the engine is running.

 

[tvall]

Hey All,

Great advice all around! It was a bad starter. Took it out and had it checked out. Replaced it and no problems at all.

Thanks again!
Tim