Hot start issues

[fordfanboi]

I'm running about 11:1 compression on the motor and am having issues getting the engine to start when hot. I have an Optima Red battery that's in good condition and flings the engine when under 190 degrees. At the dragstrip, the engine had issues starting between runs ( 210 degrees ). Is there a hot cranking setting I can use to back off ignition timing when cranking? What other options would there be?

Thanks!

[Matt Cramer]

Does it kick back, or what?

Could you post an MSQ and a log of the startup issue?

[fordfanboi]

Does it kick back, or what?

Could you post an MSQ and a log of the startup issue?

No kick back - it just acts like the battery is dead and might turn 1/4 turn before getting caught up against the compression. Let it sit 20 mins and it will start. I don't have any logs of starting the car since I start my logs after its started. I have problems with AFR and volt values sometimes spiking when cranking which throws off the max value in the log.

Next time I take a trip, I'll have to log cranking. Was just hoping there was a setting so I could back out the timing while cranking when hot. At the strip I just dropped 7? degrees out of the bottom two rpm registers... but retarded timing makes it run hotter at idle ofc.

Thanks!

[Matt Cramer]

It sounds like your starter is getting cooked by the headers.

[fordfanboi]

It sounds like your starter is getting cooked by the headers.

I did have to swap the starter the day before heading on the trip. The old one I had installed in 2010 started making one helluva loud noise for 1 second after the engine started. Maybe the new one is a lemon? I could cover the starter in a thermal sleeve if engine block heat soak isn't also an issue.

Thanks much!

[Matt Cramer]

Another thing - try adjusting the distributor so that the trigger angle is 10 degrees or less; TFI distributors typically resort to their own timing on cranking.