Full sized Ford guys

[Ozwynn]

The patient: 1990 F150 2wd 5.0l
Problem: run the engine until it gets warm, then shut it off (or it stalls) then it’s 20-40 minutes before it restarts and the starter drags really slow
Trouble shooting: pulled starter and had it bench tested, starter tested bad, replaced starter back in September
Checked alternator, 14.6v at idle
Checked battery, 3 dead cells, replaced battery today with an AGM.
Replaced coil because it still had original coil, solved 90 other issues but still have main problem and the starter still drags really slow when the engine is warm. Makes a strange buzzing sound when the starter drags. Shorted the solenoid with a wrench and key on and still drags when warm and makes strange buzzing sound..... not the same sound as the fuel pump

Is my new starter toast?

Had this issue with my 79 F250 and it was the magnetic pickup (reluctor) in the distributor. Called Fugate Ford and was told if it’s not the coil then the next step is the reluctor.... $47 part......
there is also 2 relays on the right side (from sitting in the truck) of the coil that felt rather warm.... at least warmer that the coil.

Going to pull the starter tomorrow and have it bench tested.

 

[Andy D]

Wild guess, it is too far advanced? just guessing. If there is a vacuum connection to the distributor . clamp it off and see what happens.

 

[Ozwynn]

Timing hasn’t changed since I bought the truck, this problem started in September

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Ive had 460s heat soak the starter. However this was with headers. If you have factory exhaust i wouldnt *think* that would be the issue.

My dad had a 94 250 with a 300 that had that piece in the dist go bad, it would die but it never would crank hard.

My guess is the starter is junk. However, if you bench test it it may test good. Outta curiosity, where did you buy the starter?

 

[Ozwynn]

Ive had 460s heat soak the starter. However this was with headers. If you have factory exhaust i wouldnt *think* that would be the issue.

My dad had a 94 250 with a 300 that had that piece in the dist go bad, it would die but it never would crank hard.

My guess is the starter is junk. However, if you bench test it it may test good. Outta curiosity, where did you buy the starter?

Brand new not remanned duralast gold starter from autozone

 

[Ozwynn]

I wonder if there is supposed to be a heat shield over the starter.... the starter I took out in September was still clean and could not have been more than a year old

Maybe when I put in the new exhaust I should wrap the down pipes in header tape?

 

[Ozwynn]

Hey Rick, im not sure if this is a common problem or not, but is your timing set to your trucks specs? If your timing is to far advanced, and the engine is at operating temp. your starter will sound like you have a dead battery, and when it cools down, it will start right up. If your timing is set to specs, is your battery good? is your alternator charging? Check these things first before you try a heat sheild. I've never seen a heat sheild on a truck before. Just my opion. Hope to help some. Rob

Found this.... are they talking about distributor timing or cam timing?

 

[adsm08]

Found this.... are they talking about distributor timing or cam timing?

They are talking about spark.

Having it set too far advanced causes it to fire while the piston is too low in its up travel, causing the starter to have to work against that.

My first 2.9 did something similar when the roll pin for the distributor gear broke and the gear started walking around a bit.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Advanced timing will def cause a hard to start. Id check/adjust as needed then if it stil, is wonky, wrap the pipe

 

[Ozwynn]

Ran fine when I shut it off last night. This is what it’s doing now

https://youtu.be/BbjP_hs03po

It’s like somebody shoved a potato in the exhaust..... or jumped time? I just changed the timing chain about 1 oil change ago.... about 4000 miles maybe.

 

[Ozwynn]

Aside from the plugged catylitic converter..... whole other issue... would a bad knock sensor be causing some of these issues?

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Can TFI modules muck up the timing?

I know they are kind of the boogyman for trucks newer than mine but I haven't really ever dealt with it.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

I dont think a knock sensor or TFI would cause this issue. Generally when a TFI goes you just lose spark

I wonder if maybe you jumped a tooth or 2 on the timing chain?

 

[adsm08]

A knock sensor would retard timing.

The TFI can mess with timing. It is responsible for the dynamic advance/retard.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

After watching the video...

It really sounds like a timing chain

Thats more less what the 351W in my 77 LTD II sounded like when it jumped...and bent the valves