Having issues starting the truck after it's only been sitting for a few minutes. For instance, if I drive it to work, and it sits all day, It starts right up. If I shut it off for just a few minutes, say to get some gas or stop at the ATM machines, it has a hard time starting, there have been instances where I've had to get a jump start.

Any thoughts?

 

Change the positive battery cable with a really thick one.

 

Timing?
Octane?
Codes?
Last complete tune up?
Cleaned & re-secured Pos & Neg connections?
Checked Atlernator output?
Have Battery load tested?
Heavier cables always a good idea.

 

I'll give that a shot, Sean, although I don't understand why it matters how long it's been sitting?

meski,

Timing? I don't know if I have the means to check that.
Octane? I should try a higher grade?
Codes? Haven't checked them. Did they have codes on a truck that old? lol
Last complete tune up? No Idea. I bought it used and have been replacing things constantly and haven't got to that yet.
Cleaned & re-secured Pos & Neg connections? I've tried that.
Checked Atlernator output? Nope, but something has recently started sqealing under the hood a but. Maybe the alternator has been on its' way out.
Have Battery load tested? I have not had that done.

Thanks guys...

 

That's what was wrong with mine, and a few other people. Next time it does it see if the positive cable gets hot.

 

when you say it won't start after it gets hot, I'm assuming the engine turns over ok but just won't catch, is that right? If so it could be an engine electrical component that's overheating and thus causing the no start until it cools down reconnecting the circuit.

Guage

 

Code pulling: https://www.f150forum.com/f10/how-re...es-obdi-10907/

No. Higher octane causes harder/ longer starting.

 

I'll check it out, Sean. I had to replace the negative ground already, so it wouldn't surprise me if the positive needed it, too. When I went to get my state inspection sticker (it passed, don't ask me how) they had the ***** to shut it off, lol. When I tried to start it, it wouldn't. They stuck one of them quick charge things on it and the small gage ground wire that splits off the larger one started heating up and smoking. When I got home I was checking out the neg ground cable and when I lifted it up the other end was cut off and not attached to anything. Nice, huh?

 

Oh, good, meski. I use only the cheap ****.
thanks for the link, I'll read through it.

 

Guage

Yes, it turns over. But, If I get a jump, it starts right up. It doesn't need to be jumped long, like a minute, maybe two.