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hard start after hot soak

5938 Views 14 Replies 8 Participants Last post by  greenfuel
I'm new to the site so I apologize if I'm asking a question that has already been answered.
I have a 1988 F-250 with the 7.3 IDI. It starts ok in the morning or any time it's cold but after it has been driven and then shut off for 30 minutes or so, it almost runs the batteries down getting started. Once it starts, it doesn't sputter or anything. It runs good. Anytime the "wait to start" light doesn't come on I know it's going to be hard to start. If the light does come on, it will start ok. When I say ok, it doesn't just jump to life but it starts after a few seconds of turning over. If I try to start immediately after shutting it off it starts right up quickly. So far I've had the lift pump, injector pump, glow plugs, control module, relay, injectors, return lines and caps and starter replaced. Should my "wait to start" light always come on when starting or just until it warms up enough? Could this be a lack of compression?
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I had a similar symptom, but I don't think it's the same problem. Cold starts were okay, but it took many minutes (!) of cranking to get it started when warm. The issue was air in the fuel lines. It's possible that this your problem, but not very likely.

With me, it seemed that when the fast idle and cold timing advance were engaged, I had an easier time starting, even if the engine was hot. Since it's a simple fix, you might want to try running a hot wire to the CTA and fast idle. The wiring is right on the injection pump, and the two are wired together and get power from a temp switch toward the back of the block. I say it's worth a shot.

Kip on Truckin'
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