Hard starting when hot

jjtarnow · #1 (**permalink**) 05-09-2004, 04:44 AM

Hey guys, I'm having a small dilemma when starting hot. When I start cold she turns over no problem (starter spins freely). When I try to start hot it can't push past the compression stroke. Seems to me the increased comprssion when hot (vs. cold) is too much for my high torque (but not gear reducing) starter. My battery is charged and is a 675 CA AC/Delco. I would love to hear any/all thoughts you guys may have.

Josh

ST · #2 (**permalink**) 05-09-2004, 05:45 AM

Try insulating the starter motor or/and retard the timing a couple of degrees.

Hal Copple · #3 (**permalink**) 05-09-2004, 05:57 AM

eventually, in order to reliably crank my hot stroked Windsor, i bought a really powerful aftermarket CSI starter. I tried everything, but the heat from the headers was just too hot for the starter, even with wrapping with reflective heat shielding.

hal

strictlypersonl · #4 (**permalink**) 05-09-2004, 06:35 AM

To find out whether the problem is too-far-advanced ignition or bad starter/tight engine, disconnect the coil wire. If the engine turns over faster, the ignition is too far advanced - you'll need a different distributor curve.

If the engine still turns over slowly, you'll have to test the starter.

jjtarnow · #5 (**permalink**) 05-09-2004, 08:22 AM

I should have mentioned that the starter is wrapped in insulation. I am suspect of the timing due to some dieseling after shut down and clearly that is the easiest place to start. This is the first car that I have had with a battery in the trunk (actually my 911 had one in the front "trunk" but I never dealt with the timing on that one). Where do you guys think the best place is to hook the hook the battery leads for the timing light?

Josh

gsharapa · #6 (**permalink**) 05-09-2004, 08:48 AM

Josh,

Your id states 513 so I don't know if that is a big block or small block stroker but in any case put a timing light on it and run it up to 3,000 rpm or where it stops advancing and set the timing at a total advance as follows:

. 460/514 about 32 degrees

. Small block stroker about 34 to 35 degrees

I'd start there. Big blocks also get what is called "Hot Soak" which when the engine gets pretty hot usually after shutting off for 10 to 20 minutes the fuel will actually boil in the carb and fuel lines coming up the carb causing a vapor lock. Ford had the problem in 460 trucks years ago. The way to fix it is either a return line back to the tank or some insulation under the carb. Mr. Gasket makes some nice thin aluminum spacers and gaskets to put between the carb and manifore. I had about 5 on my big block 514 and now about 3 on my small block 427 stroker and never have that concern anymore down here in Dallas Tx.

jjtarnow · #7 (**permalink**) 05-09-2004, 09:04 AM

Hey Gary,

Thanks for the information. I'm going to take a look at the timing this afternoon (after the baby wakes up..or else the Cobra will WAKE her up). My battery is in the trunk...where are the best battery contact points for the timing light (assuming you too have the trunk battery mount)?

Josh

P.S. - It's a 460 BB...