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Jim Grant's Tech Tips
86 Ford
Mustang, Hot Start Problem
Q: I have a 1986 Ford Mustang with over 160,000 miles. The engine
runs fine once it's started but for some time now it doesn't want to start
when it's hot. The engine will turn over but very slowly. I have replaced
the starter several times and I've rebuilt them myself several times,
but that only fixes the problem temporarily. Since the car first started
having this problem around four years ago the fly wheel, alternator, battery,
battery cables, starter relay and the voltage regulator have all been
replaced but nothing seems to fix the problem. Is there any advice you
can give me, maybe something I overlooked???
A: Wow,
have you tried a lot of parts! You need to find a technician who really
understands electricity. Have him/her perform a voltage drop test while
the electrical circuit is active. In your case, while the starter is cranking
the engine. This test provides a true picture of the electrical circuit's
ability to carry current to and from your starter. A good tech will know
the difference between good and bad readings when performing this test.
One other note; when your car's acting up disable the ignition system
and see if it still cranks over hard. If it doesn't you have ignition
timing problems that have to be corrected.
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