MSefi.com read only forum (Jan.15,2018)

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!

Does it kick back, or what?

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

Matt Cramer wrote: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!

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

Matt Cramer wrote: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!

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.