1969 cougar xr7 351w msd 6a and billet dizzy and the tach is required to run of the mad unit. So I had some carb tuning I was doing and all went well clearing up a stumble. I get to a mini mart to pick something up, get back in the car and it cranks real slow but eventually starts. I think to much fuel since I have been messing with it. I get home and put a vac gauge on it while it’s still running and I adjust it a little. Turn the car off and try to restart. Car cranks very slow at this point. So I turn the car off and it’s still cranking then I take the key out and still cranking very very slow. So I disconnected the negative battery cable. Wire from relay to the starter is very warm. So this last summer I replaced the starter relay and ignition switch and all battery cables and grounds. Did my relay get fried already? I have barely driven it
Probably a bad or sticky solenoid. A sharp whack with a wrench will usually unstick it. Then it’s time to buy more.
You most likley used a repo starter relay, they usally do this. Get a relay stright from Ford.
I would think you need to find out why it is cranking so slow, something is dragging causing so much current draw through the starter relay that the contacts are sticking.
Slow turning on a hot engine restart can be caused by too advanced timing or the engine was bored and lightweight aluminum pistons installed that expand quickly on stopping. Many 390 428 owners with bored engines have this issue. If you adjust the timing back to correct the slow turn you can lower the vacuum for the brake booster. Solutions I have used is 800 amp crank battery, 2 gauge battery/starter cables, Ford starter relay, longer bolt on starter so it comes through the bellhousing and put a serrated washer nut on and crank it.
I agree. Get a proper starter relay from Ford.
You can free the sticking repro relay by whacking the top of it.
I replaced the starter relay on the fender and it took a couple cranks and it started up. But… sometimes but not every time when I put the key in and turn to the first position I can feel the starter rumble or push just a smidge. So I’m assuming my starter is on it’s way out. What say you fellas?
I also set my timing at 10* to help cool her down I bought a napa echlin solinoid and I have two motorcraft solinoids on order one for just in case. Here is my $6000 cougar
The starter could have bad bearings, causing the starter to pull too much current, but there is no way to know without a amp meter across the starter cable, or remove and have tested.
I will see about pulling it this weekend and getting it tested
If you end up buying a rebuilt starter, have it tested before you leave the store.
Yeah I learned that with alternators