Tha Boss

Did a h/c/i installation and car has problems starting. When we first did the install it wouldnt start and we changed starter and it started with no problem. Then whenI installed my fuel pump and fan relays the problems started.Was on the way from the muffler shop and the car ran hot(my fault bad radiator cap), and when the car cooled down it wouldnt start back up. Finally we pull it home and find out that a rocker arm(1.5) is loose. We tightenit up and it runs better but it still does not want to crank. It whirls and then kicks and then sometimes starts. Another thing it will not start unless there is a battery charger on the battery and the timing is way downbut the battery without the charger is giving out 13 volts. Dnt know what the problem is but we have been having cranking problems since we did the mods.We think it might be something in the bottom end or something. Here is a list of mods:
88 Mustang GT
1. 289 Heads(ported,polished, 2.02/1.60 valves, 1.5 roller rocker, new stud girdles and guideplates
2. Edelbrock Performer RPM Intake
3. Holley 670 Carb
4. BBK Shortie Header
5.X-pipe, Magnaflowmufflers, turndowns
6. Holley blue fuel pump
7. harmonic balancer
8. water pump
9. No smog pump, power steering, or a/c
10. Dizzy from a 85 mustang gt(already carbureted v8)
11. Ford Racing Z303 Camshaft
These are all the mods that I can think of that were done to the motor. Can someone give me some ideas of what could be wrong. I dont want to start another build and my problem is something simple.

bruehlc

Does the car crank and not start, or just not crank?

If the car is just not cranking, look towards a ground issue. The battery has voltage and the starter is new, so there is something disrupted in the middle.

bruehlc

Oh, if the car does crank, there could be an ignition problem.

I have a 93 cobra and had starting problems a few months ago. The car took alot of cranking to get started. Once started the car ran fine. When I shut it off hot, it would not start for 3-4 hours. I spent a month messing with ign module/distributor crap. I ended up picking up a used computer and trying that out. Wow, it was the PCM. Car starts great now. Simple fix took a month to diagnose.

mjr46

what size chamber on the 289 heads?? was ptv checked before installation?? on a stock piston a 2.02 valved head is kinda big without flycutting piston...if cam timing is correct it'd work.. just a thought also is cranking speed reduced when engine is warmed up?? is that when cranking becomes an issue??