sounds like starter dragging when warm

[cartman0223]

I have a 1997 k1500 5.7 pickup. It has recently developed a problem starting warm. I have read other posts about longer cranking times involving the fuel pressure regulator, but the problem I have is cranking like the starter is dragging... only when the engine is warm. Cold start is fine. I have checked all connections, changed the starter and battery with no improvement. Any ideas?
Thank you, cartman0223

[taillight]

You need to take an amperage draw of the starter when it is warm. Over about 200 amps the starter is going bad.

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by taillight

You need to take an amperage draw of the starter when it is warm. Over about 200 amps the starter is going bad.

You might want to up the amp draw amps.
I have saw a lot of starters pull more that 200 amps.
MT

[cartman0223]

I changed the starter about a week ago thinking that was the problem. there was no improvement. One person told me it was a timing problem, but I'm not sure what to do about that.

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by cartman0223

I changed the starter about a week ago thinking that was the problem. there was no improvement. One person told me it was a timing problem, but I'm not sure what to do about that.

Timing is not adjustable.
As taillight said check amp draw when hot.
Check battery voltage ans recheck all cabels and grounds and battery ends.
Post back amp draw when cold and when hot.
MT

[cartman0223]

Can I perform the amp draw test myself, or do I have to take it in? What equipment would I need?

[taillight]

You need an amp guage that will read about 400-500 amps. Sometimes called a battery-starter-alternator tester. Ask your friends or some parts stores have them to use.

[cartman0223]

I will check around and see what I can find for a tester. I also noticed today that there is a slight surging at idle. possible bad fuel pressure regulator? Could a bad regulator somehow cause my starting problem as well?
I will check fuel pressure tomorrow.

[MT-2500]

It may cause engine starting problems but not starter problem.

[cartman0223]

Could this be valve train related? I had my lifters + push rods changed a couple of months ago. He couldn't get the tick completely silenced. From the time I picked it up from the shop, there has been a tick lowering down to a slight knock since. The "knock" has become more pronounced since this "starter" problem developed. I have read other threads about the lash being to tight and decreasing compression... could I possibly have a rocker nut backing off and increasing my compression causing my "starter" problem?
thank you, cartman0223

[taillight]

Lower compression would make it crank over easer. Not a good idea to put new lifters on old cam. A bad cam could be your tick. But thats not you starting problem. How many miles on engine? Whats your oil pressure? Was the starter new or rebuilt? I have seen rebuilt starters have a bent armature and work fine cold and bind hot.

[cartman0223]

I should have worded that different. what I meant was if the nut backed off, could that cause an exhaust valve not to open at the correct time? giving me compression too long in the cycle and making the engine turn over hard?
the mechanic said he inspected the cams, not sure what method he used.
the engine has about 115000 miles on it, oil pressure at idle warm is around 20 pounds and at 1500rpm is a little above 40 pounds. the starter was napa rebuilt

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by cartman0223

Could this be valve train related? I had my lifters + push rods changed a couple of months ago. He couldn't get the tick completely silenced. From the time I picked it up from the shop, there has been a tick lowering down to a slight knock since. The "knock" has become more pronounced since this "starter" problem developed. I have read other threads about the lash being to tight and decreasing compression... could I possibly have a rocker nut backing off and increasing my compression causing my "starter" problem?
thank you, cartman0223

No.
The starter is a dfferent problem.
You need to test starter draw and starter and battery system for starter problems.

[taillight]

Test the starter. Now for the cam. I have seen it before, Put new lifters on old cam and the cam lobes will be gone in short order. Pull the rocker covers and very carefully measure the lift on the rockers. At the back of the engine I will bet you will find a lobe or two not lifting as far. Put the ignition key in your pocket and turn the engine over with a socket on the crank.

[cartman0223]

I'll be damned, another post saying to check the starter... I changed the starter thinking that was the problem... same symptoms... nobody seems to have any advice other than blame the starter...at the shop I used to work at we would write "MT" on tanks that were depleted and needed to be refilled...HMMM
I will be taking the truck to the dealer I bought it from to get it repaired, hopefully they will be able to diagnose it properly... thanks any way
cartman0223
I expect this post to be edited...