probably the starter, just checking

[Kurt Combs]

My 72 F-250 with a 360 is developing a starting problem. It cranks slow when I first turn the key, like the battery is low. Then after a couple of cranks it speeds up and the engine starts with no problem. I have a rebuilt starter that I am ready to install and I will take the large cable (from relay to starter) to Napa for a size comparison and replace it also. But before I put the truck on the lift to R&R the starter I just wanted to ask for input and make sure I am on the right track here. Slow cranking and then speeding up could be the starter? BTW, the truck has a new battery and alternator in the last year.

Thanks in advance, Kurt

[fireguywtc]

It could be. when I first got my 70 it cranked slow like a low battery, but it tested fine. When I changed the starter with a new one it turned over fast like it was supposed to. However, mine always turned over slow insted of just at first like yours.

For kicks, have you had your battery load tested?

[fordman]

yes that does sound like the end bushings are going bad in the starter. i have a starter just like that. i need to replace it.

[Kurt Combs]

Since my first post on this subject I had a new development. After filling up a the gas station it almost didn't start. Cranked slow a long time without starting and I thought it was tow truck time. It finally started and I headed home. Had to move a couple of projects around to get it on the lift, but I never turned it off until it was in the shop. As I was taking the nut off the power cable to the starter I noticed that it was easy to remove, could have been the problem, but I had earlier bought the starter so I am going to change it anyway. The cable was probably the original and the insulation is flaking off, might have been part of the problem, but I didn't see any arc marks on it so I doubt it. Last guy in there only used two side bolts and decided the top one was a waste of time. Took me awhile to figure that one out as I kept trying to find the bolt head with my hand. The young man who sold me the starter told me they were rebuilt in the USA, but they have a China sticker on them. Wonder if I should keep the original starter or claim my core deposit? I assume these starters are easy to find.

[fordman]

i have a pile of good starters in the garage. i cant get rid of them. they arent hard to find. some guys are lazy when putting in the top bolt. i just use a 6 inch and a 3 inch extensition to put the top bolt in. the loose nut may have been part of the problem. you coul dhave just tightened it up and seen what happened for awhile.

[Kurt Combs]

It is all back together and starts great. I am hoping that my hot start problem goes away after changing the starter and the cable. I have rebuilt the carb, added a heat spacer, etc and it still doesn't like to start when it is warm. Maybe the starter or cable was the problem. After a few days I will have a better idea of whether or not it is resolved.

[fordman]

not wanting to start when warm could just be a little timing adjustment . timing chains do wear after a while. i had one get stretched out in 6 months during daily driving situations.

[Kurt Combs]

Oh yea, I changed the timing chain and eliminated the points and checked the timing, if it still does the hot start thing the carb is going to be changed. I bought a four barrel intake so I could install a new four barrel, but I think I will be better off just getting a professionally rebuilt replacement carb. Besides that way I don't have to change that heavy intake!

[Kurt Combs]

I haven't had a chance to see if the hot start problem is resolved, but man that new starter spins a lot faster than the old one! Either that starter was bad for a long time, or that over-sized cable they sold me is supplying a lot more juice (I doubt that the factory would under-size a cable to that extent). My guess is the old starter was dying for a long time. I will report back after I know whether or not it solved the hot start problem.

[Kurt Combs]

Reporting on the new starter. It cranks much faster than it used to. I am wondering if they sold me a six volt starter (or my old one has been really bad for a long time). Anyway it takes a few more cranks to start when warm and having sat for a few minutes, but spins so fast it doesn't seem to matter. Weather here has been miserable for a few weeks, so I don't know yet what it will be like on 100 degree days, just have to wait and see.

[Kurt Combs]

Well, the hot start problem did not go away, just easier to start because if spins faster. Going to try adjusting the timing again for that issue.