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Starter motor not turning when engine is hot
simon88 - 7/5/14 at 09:11 AM

Hi guys, I've got a weird problem when the engine is cold it starts fine turns over as it should, but then after doing a few miles and getting up to running temperature switch the engine off and it struggles to start again until it cools down, the starter motor doesn't really crank over.
Anyone had this problem before?

ps It's gone in for an MOT today fingers crossed

hkp57 - 7/5/14 at 09:24 AM

What Engine is it?

simon88 - 7/5/14 at 09:46 AM

mondeo 2ltr zetec-e blacktop

adithorp - 7/5/14 at 10:01 AM

Do a search. There'sbeen a few previousthreads about this.

First stop would be check all battery terminal and main earths. From memory excessive ignition advance when cranking has been suggested as a cause in the previous threads.

AndyW - 7/5/14 at 11:04 AM

I had this exact problem. Mine is running standard ecu so no adjustable settings. I put a new starter motor on as the one that was causing hot problems was an old one.

New starter cured problem and now starts when red hot.

Hope that helps.

britishtrident - 7/5/14 at 11:20 AM

quote:
Originally posted by simon88
mondeo 2ltr zetec-e blacktop


Quite often Zetecs on carbs are installed using the ignition black box from a carb equiped CVH engined Escort or Orion. Because the CVH engine suffers from slow combustion the ignition system has a lot more ignition advance than the Zetec.
Among the problems this causes is that the engine will try and run backwards fighting against the starter.

Billbro - 7/5/14 at 11:43 AM

Hi, had the same problem. Tried adjusting the ignition and fuel to no avail. Tried a new standard starter, still no joy. Was getting a bit embarrassing when trying to leave the petrol station, having to push it over to the side and wait for the engine to cool.
Bought a HI Torque starter and solved my problem instantly.
Never failed to turn over in last 2 years.
2.0 Blacktop on Jenveys and Omex 600.

jeffw - 7/5/14 at 11:47 AM

Certainly heat (as in hot starter motor) has caused me lots of issues over the years. A geared Hi-Torque starter cured it....

bob - 11/10/14 at 05:18 PM

I have cured my slow starting zetec when hot with a higher cold cranking battery.

I had a 380 amp and now moved to a 540 amp battery with the same dimensions so fits a treat.