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Topic: Car won't start sometimes (Read 627 times) previous topic - next topic

Car won't start sometimes

Well I did a 5.0 S0 swap in my 88 bird, as many of you know. Since I did it, I've noticed sometimes it won't start. I drove it around today for about 30 minutes doing errands, never shutting it off.

I got back to my house, shut it down, and realized I forgot something, I went to go start it and it barely tried to crank over. I'm wondering, if like some of the old, old cars, the starter is getting too hot while the car is running and doesn't want to work. i let it sit for two hours, didn't do anything to it, and went out to go try it, and it started no problem

The car has the factory exhuast, no modifications, its just like the factory built in in 87, except the shell is an 88.

Anyone have any ideas of what it could be?

Car won't start sometimes

Reply #1
I would guess either starter or starter solonoid. The starter solenoid can be bypassed by sticking a screw driver acrossed two pegs. The starter is more likely then not bad. I would also check out your battery voltage.
Quote from: jcassity
I honestly dont think you could exceed the cost of a new car buy installing new *stock* parts everywhere in your coug our tbird. Its just plain impossible. You could revamp the entire drivetrain/engine/suspenstion and still come out ahead.
Hooligans! 
1988 Crown Vic wagon. 120K California car. Wifes grocery getter. (junked)
1987 Ford Thunderbird LX. 5.0. s.o., sn-95 t-5 and an f-150 clutch. Driven daily and going strong.
1986 cougar.
lilsammywasapunkrocker@yahoo.com

 

Car won't start sometimes

Reply #2
If the cables and battery are OK, you likely have a starter failing... Common for so-so starters to crank slow when hot...

If it's jerky(runk, runk, runk) when cranking, possibly you have too much initial timing...