Starting Troubleshoot - Heatsoak?

[The Rocknrod]

And or install a Starter Relay.

[Jferrante]

Originally Posted by Tazimafied

This is something common in high performance engines that have high compression and advanced timing. I would check the timing first to make sure it isn't too far advanced for your setup. If it is where you want it to achieve the desired performance then I would check the starter next. It could be just old and weak enough to not be able to turn the engine over when hot. If the starter is fairly new I would recommend upgrading to a higher performance unit.

Thanks. ..might just bite the bullet and get a new unit as I don't know how old this one is. It iseems no longer produced but most likely is a rebuilt unit. If the new starter doesn't do it ill make sure to refer back to the timing.

Originally Posted by The Rocknrod

And or install a Starter Relay.

Thanks I read this as the other option as well but was hoping I didn't have to.

[franken]

Originally Posted by The Rocknrod

And or install a Starter Relay.

Don't. This would label the OP as clueless. Adding an other solenoid is like duck taping a new leg toy yours when it gets sore. The old one is still there doing tha same job it always has.

Slow crank is internal solenoid contacts switching the starter on/off, or the big battery cables bad, resistive connections on same, grounding something other than the block, dead battery, or a starter problem. Note how few problems are the solenoid. All cranking current flows through the big cables. Rarely, the starter is bad.

If the solenoid makes no noise or clicks trace the circuit from the battery + terminal, small red wire all the way to the solenoid S-terminal purple wire.

Get a long piece of #12 stranded wire and put 2 alligator clips on the ends. When the problem occurs, test. Connect one end to the solenoid S-terminal. Put the truck in park or neutral. Touch the other end to the battery + terminal. Any change?

A charged battery is 12.6V with a small load. Anything less, even 12.5 is in need of a charge.

[Jferrante]

Originally Posted by T and S

Go to MADelectrical.com and read about heat causing starting problems before you throw a lot of money at it. You might be able to fix it for just a few dollars and a little elbow grease.

Thanks - starter seems to have been discontinued and since I replaced the full wiring, battery and cables I figured why not just do the starter now and not have to worry about it. Newer truck for me so I like knowing parts are fresh.

Originally Posted by franken

Don't. This would label the OP as clueless.

Slow crank is internal solenoid contacts switching the starter on/off, or the big battery cables bad, resistive connections on same, grounding something other than the block, dead battery, or a starter problem. Note how few problems are the solenoid. All cranking current flows through the big cables. Rarely, the starter is bad.

If the solenoid makes no noise or clicks trace the circuit from the battery + terminal, small red wire all the way to the solenoid S-terminal purple wire.

Get a long piece of #12 stranded wire and put 2 alligator clips on the ends. When the problem occurs, test. Connect one end to the solenoid S-terminal. Put the truck in park or neutral. Touch the other end to the battery + terminal. Any change?

A charged battery is 12.6V with a small load. Anything less, even 12.5 is in need of a charge.

Thanks seems you know this stuff pretty well - the new starter is moving so it looks like the low battery is now the main culprit on the slow starts. Will charge and report back to everyone.