engine problems......help.....again

[bojak]

350 tbi. Took it to alignment shop, fired up and ran great there. Fired and great when they test drove it. I went to leave and nothing. Wouldn't even turn over, no clicking, no nada. Had to leave it overnight, came back next morning ready to swap starters in the parking lot. Tried it first because I believe in always start at the easiest solution first, and she fired right up like it never happened. Drove her home, ran great. Did a couple of test fires over the day with no problems. Son wanted to take her to get wings and since it's close I said fine. Fired and drove great. Went to leave, nothing but radio, no clicking, no turning over, zilch. Left it, came back this morning and fired right up. Does the crew here have any ideas as to what is going on with this? Also my engine is running rich but I am fairly sure that is a separate issue. Rich as in a set of plugs with less than 3k miles on them look like one out of a 89 snapper mower. Any thoughts or suggestions are appreciated.

[gchemist]

Low battery or starter solenoid starting to fail. If it doesn't start when hot, I would suspect the solenoid going bad.

[bojak]

I actually had a new starter that I bought with me but then she fired so I took it back. Guess I was a little quick on that.

[bojak]

Any recommendations on best starter to replace with?

[SkinnyG]

Delco.

Google the Ford Solenoid Mod to help bypass the voltage drops through the key switch wiring. I ran the key switch to a Ford solenoid, and the Ford solenoid to the starter solenoid "S" terminal so I get full voltage and amps to the solenoid. It fixed ~most~ of my "hot no-start" issues.

Next will be fabricating a heat shield because the headers are cooking the starter.

That and install a new solenoid on the starter...

[killa496]

get your battary and starter checked out first! It sucks spending money on parts u don't need.i would start checking my battary cables and also the wires from the starter to the firewall junction. A open wire r grounded one will cause all kinds of problems.Make sure u have a good ground also. START WITH SMALL STUFF FIRST! hope this helps.

[gchemist]

I use a BB starter on my truck.
It's a high compression engine. I also run an expensive Optima battery.

[bojak]

Guys I appreciate the quick responses and help. I'm going to replace battery and starter this week. Any ideas on why engine is running so rich?

[gchemist]

Normally, fuel pressure, low O2 voltage, poor MAP sensor, and incorrect coolant temps all contribute to poor fuel performance.
Check the hose connection at the MAP sensor.