I have an old Ford diesel generator that powers an air compressor. It starts up easily in the morning when it's cold, but after running for 5-10 minutes, it won't crank or turnover when I try to restart it. I can only hear the diesel solenoid click once and the starter solenoid once I turn the key. After waiting 40 minutes to an hour, it starts right up again on the first try. The 12v system has a perfectly functioning starter and battery, with no issues in the connections. Even though it starts when cold, it refuses to crank when warm. The starter may feel hot after running for a while, but it still won't turn over. Could this heat be the cause of the problem?
When your engine is hot and struggling to start, it's crucial to check the voltage to determine if it's a malfunctioning solenoid or a weak starter causing the issue. If the starter doesn't receive full battery voltage, troubleshoot backwards to identify the root of the problem. Additionally, installing a heat shield near the exhaust may provide some relief in this situation.
Have you noticed the starter getting hot before? If the starter solenoid is clicking, test the starter side of the solenoid using a test lead with an alligator clip. If it receives full battery voltage while starting, it may not be making contact when hot. Consider dismantling it yourself or taking it to a professional for inspection.
Answer: - The issue could be related to heat affecting the starter's ability to turn over the engine when warm.
Answer: - This behavior could indicate a problem with the starter motor or solenoid, possibly due to heat-related issues.
Answer: - You may want to check the starter motor's condition, connections, and potential overheating issues as possible causes of the problem.
Answer: - The cooling period may allow the starter motor to cool down enough to function properly again, pointing towards a heat-related issue with the starting system.
Answer: - Regular maintenance, checking for overheating components, and ensuring proper ventilation around the starter motor could help prevent warm-starting problems in the future.
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