- Sep 4, 2009
- 19
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Hey guys. Just last week, wednesday in fact, my stock 98 Mustang convertible started becoming slow to turn over. I've noticed lately that the longer she sits, the slower she fires up, but she does still reliably fire up. Now I have noticed that it's been hotter than normal lately and it started in the middle of our heat wave. Starts on average temp days (80f instead of 95-100f) do seem a second or two faster to fire up, but considering I'm not exactly being scientific about when I get behind the wheel, that may be placebo effect, considering I leave work at 11pm when it's cooled down to 80f and the starts are still
Some examples:
Sits overnight, turn the key for 5 seconds, starter turns but no ignition. Turn the key a second time, immediate ignition.
Sits for three hours between runs to the store? Almost immediate ignition. Definitely before the 5 seconds are up. Maybe 2-3 seconds.
Fire her up, shut her off, fire her up? Immediate turnover.
She's sitting on 128k miles, well maintained. In fact, I just finished checking and topping off fluids and replacing a faulty brake light bulb. I did remove the snorkel from the air filter as I've seen in a few recommendations. The problem began the day before I was fiddling about, so I'm somewhat certain I'm not to blame, but the snorkel is worth mentioning. I just replaced the original factory battery less than 1000 miles ago, so I know it's not that. But what about the alternator? A clogged fuel filter? A starter on its last legs? Spark plugs? Something tells me a lazy spark is the last option. But I did see someone say that fixed it for them on a "hot day" forum post I googled up somewhere.
Anyone got any ideas? I'd like to get back the faith that my pony'll still be starting next week, as she's my DD.
AC.
Some examples:
Sits overnight, turn the key for 5 seconds, starter turns but no ignition. Turn the key a second time, immediate ignition.
Sits for three hours between runs to the store? Almost immediate ignition. Definitely before the 5 seconds are up. Maybe 2-3 seconds.
Fire her up, shut her off, fire her up? Immediate turnover.
She's sitting on 128k miles, well maintained. In fact, I just finished checking and topping off fluids and replacing a faulty brake light bulb. I did remove the snorkel from the air filter as I've seen in a few recommendations. The problem began the day before I was fiddling about, so I'm somewhat certain I'm not to blame, but the snorkel is worth mentioning. I just replaced the original factory battery less than 1000 miles ago, so I know it's not that. But what about the alternator? A clogged fuel filter? A starter on its last legs? Spark plugs? Something tells me a lazy spark is the last option. But I did see someone say that fixed it for them on a "hot day" forum post I googled up somewhere.
Anyone got any ideas? I'd like to get back the faith that my pony'll still be starting next week, as she's my DD.
AC.