hi i have a 87 ford f1250 4x4 302 and when the engine is hot it will not start until it cools down and then it starts up with no problems. so i was wondering if anyone know why this is and if so please tell me.

thanks

 

Well usually when you have a problem that shows when hot it is electrical of some sort because electrical components at greatest stress when hot. Sounds to me like an ignition electrical component may be bad. Check ignition module. Could be pickup coil, but you can have the ignition module tested at Autozone, I believe. Check plug wires and all distributor wires. Could be ignition coil, but those usually just fail completely if they do. The good thing is that all those parts are relatively cheap with the module being a bit more, but can be tested for certainty.

 

When you say it will not start, are you saying that the engine will turn over, or will it not do anything at all?

 

it wont do anything when the engine is hot but when it cools down it starts up like there was not problem. i heard it mite be the thermostat where the antifreeze goes thru one side and out the other.

 

So, if the starter won't engage and turn over, it's your battery cables. Upgrade the positive cable to a 2 gauge cable and ensure your ground cables are well grounded. I had a similar issue and once I specifically addressed connection, the truck actually starts much faster than what it did before the problem.

Regarding your positive cable, try this one from Advance Auto if you are located near one: http://www.advanceautoparts.com/1/2/...-a4780000.html

The battery cable is a 2 gauge wire that is 15 inches long.