Hard Starting Solution - Dual Switches?

[Cobra 29]

I have a 351W crate motor that fights the starter especially when hot. The first crank bearly turns over the engine but the second or third attempt does it! Presently, I am checking for proper grounds, battey condition, cable size, initial timing and may replace the the stock starter with a higher torque one.

I was reading an article on timing and a side bar mentioned that separating the start switch from the ignition could resolve difficult starting of high compression engines. The theory is that you switch on the starter and once the engine is rotating you switch on the ignition.

Has anyone wired their car in this manner? I thought some race cars (maybe FIAs) were set up this way.

[Bob Putnam]

29,

Try temporarily retarding the ignition timing by about 5 degrees. If it fixes the problem, then at least you've isolated it to ignition kick-back. You can fix that either by changing the distributor curve or maybe a stronger starter.

[Roscoe]

I've got a 351 and am running an MSD digital 6 with built in start retard. Never a cranking problem. Their 6AL ignition will take an add on unit.

But check your grounds and especially the cable. Should be like number 1.

Roscoe

[Ron61]

Both posts above are very accurate and you should check them closely. I did that and when I put my 351 stroker in the stock starter wouldn't turn it over cold. I don't know what compression you are runing but thye ground and timing are the best place to start. After doing all that and still having trouble I went to a starter place here and had them check it out. They built me a gear reduction drive starter and I have had it on since 1994 and have never had a problem since. Hot or cold it spins over easily on the first try. Since the car normally starts on the first try I very seldom have to try it more than once but I have ran it until it was good and hot and then shut it off for about 45 seconds to let the temperature peak and tried it again and it spun right over and started.

Ron61

Ron Widener

[Jack21]

Try the Powermaster starter for Ford motors from Summit. $159. 1/2 the size and weight, and twice the torque and service life. Mine works perfectly.

[427sharpe]

When you try to turn the motor over, is the ground cable getting hot to the touch? It sounds as if you do not have adequate ground. I suggest people use a 00 gage ground at the battery, another at the motor to frame, and a third from a starter bolt to the frame. There is no reason that a good starter should not fire your motor hot if it is adequate cold, period.