No start issue 1988 5.0
05-03-2022, 10:38 AM
#1
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No start issue 1988 5.0
Hi I have a 1988 f-150 with the 5.0 engine. It was running fine but then produced a no crank no start condition. You could hear the starter attempt to engage but did not turn over the engine. I replaced the starter believing it to be the issue. The new starter produced the same symptoms. I then replaced the battery and the negative and positive leads. It still produced the same issue. I then replaced the starter solenoid and cleaned all grounds.
The engine will now crank slowly and then find a dead spot where it will only rotate at a very slow pace. It will eventually get out of the dead spot and will crank faster until it finds that spot again.
I have checked the voltage on the battery and it shows 12.8 fully charged but, when I test the voltage at the starter cable when the ignition is turned it drops between 5-8 Volts.
when my battery is fully charged I will attempt to take a video of these issues and will attach it to this forum.
Thank you in advance for all your suggestions.
The engine will now crank slowly and then find a dead spot where it will only rotate at a very slow pace. It will eventually get out of the dead spot and will crank faster until it finds that spot again.
I have checked the voltage on the battery and it shows 12.8 fully charged but, when I test the voltage at the starter cable when the ignition is turned it drops between 5-8 Volts.
when my battery is fully charged I will attempt to take a video of these issues and will attach it to this forum.
Thank you in advance for all your suggestions.
05-05-2022, 08:35 PM
#2
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Post pics of the battery terminals. After a long cranking session, check the heavy battery cables all the way to the starter & engine block for hot spots.
05-06-2022, 12:49 PM
#3
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Since you have already checked most electrical items check for binding next. I would remove the drive belt (eliminated bound up A/C compressor) and if no improvement then pull the plugs and crank it over, you may have a blown head gasket and have water in a cylinder.
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BareBonesXL (05-06-2022)
05-06-2022, 02:07 PM
#4
Senior Member
The big drop in voltage is what happens on a DC motor (the starter) when it can't spin. It's not good for it, don't hold the key on Start for too long.
05-06-2022, 06:37 PM
#5
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Here's one of those threads I was thinking of.
https://www.f150forum.com/f6/2001-5-...-start-518844/
https://www.f150forum.com/f6/2001-5-...-start-518844/
05-07-2022, 11:05 PM
#6
Have mentioned this before, but the vacuum lines to the cruise control will fail. At least in our high desert climate. Mine was a 1988 F-250 with the same issues that a dealer could not come close to figuring out more than once. Went through everything one afternoon and picked up those weak vacuum lines and they finished falling apart. Replaced them and problem solved.