[Ottawaguy]

Last weekend when we had the big dump of snow, I had not driven the truck on Sunday. When I went to start in on Monday morning it would not start(rolled over fine). I figured it just needed to be plugged in since it sat for a couple days
and was half buried in the blowing snow. I plugged it in and a few hours later it started fine.
Yesterday, I went to start it and it would not start. Again, it had sat for 2 days without being driven. This I found odd since it was only 0 deg. outside and hadn't really been cold on Friday.
Sure enough, I plugged it in and it started a few hours later.
Now there have been mornings where it's been quite cold and it started fine(having ran the day before).
So it seems that if I leave it for a couple of days..It needs to be plugged in.

So I am wondering if anyone else has experienced this or if anyone could suggest why this might be happening. Now this is my first f-150 but with every other vehicle I've owned, I've only had to plug in when extremely cold.
Any thoughts on this matter would be appreciated.

 

[Smokefan]

My thought would possibly be moisture, but don't know how plugging in would remedy that so I'm baffled.

 

[QWKRN-U]

Ya thats a bit strange, Im thinking moisture too, could it be warming up under the hood just enough for it to evaporate? How old is the dist. cap and plug wires? I have had a bunch of these trucks and never had any problems with cold starts, even after sitting for a week or so.

I would try the cap and wires if they are not fairly new. Good luck and keep us posted.

 

[herbz]

How old is your battery? I had the same problem where if I didn't drive it one day it wouldn't start the next and it would have to be plugged in. I got a new battery and the problem went away.

 

[Ottawaguy]

I've owned the truck for just over a month now and I really can't tell you much about it. For starters, if it matters...it is the 4.9 liter under the hood which from everything I've read is a bulletproof engine so to speak. I changed the plugs the day after I brought it home. They were dealership plugs and I'm pretty sure that they were on the truck when the previous owner bought it since he told me he really didn't do anything to the truck except drive to the hunt camps etc.
He owned it for 3 years and according to him only put 10k on the motor.
So, if that is the case then the wires and distributor are likely just as old.

As for the battery....not sure but I am gonna swap it with the Energizer in my Toyota since I'm selling it anyways and that battery is not that old. The one in the truck is likely older and I don't remember seeing any name on it but it seems to have lots of juice.
Now of course there seems to be lots of moisture under the hood but I don't see how a block heater on an engine is going to dry out the distributor. I just don't see it.
Of course I'm no mechanic...just like wrenching on my own vehicles.
I will tackle almost anything on a vehicle except internal engine.

Anyways, any other thoughts on the matter are welcomed.
Great to have this resource....much appreciated
Dave

 

[fordtough.ca]

IAC controls your low Idle
I would check and clean the IAC (blasted it out with carb/throttle body cleaner)
IAC is part of your Throttle Body
So you may have to remove it of your truck before you access it
Did you check your fuel filters?
Hope this helps

 

[Ottawaguy]

Thanks for bringing the IAC to my attention Matt. I pulled it and though it didn't look too bad...I did notice oil pooled in the bottom of the unit it attaches to(TB?). If you remember my oil leak...It was indeed the push rod cover/gasket.
I found all bolts loose but changed gasket and grommets. I had noticed when i check air filter that oil had got sucked in and the filter had oil in it. I guess some oil had gotten past the filter and made it's way to the throttle body. I not sure what affect that will have, but it was obviously getting less than pure clean air. I guess I should also clean the throttle body now.
Gonna head to Canadian Tire soon and get some cleaner.
Also located the fuel filters but still have to change them.
If there are any more suggestions ....let me know.

 

[fordtough.ca]

No problem,
Let us know if it worked
THX

 

[Billy Mo]

Make sure your battery has a full charge. Take it out of the truck and put it on a charger. If your truck is standard put it in neutral . If it starts easier in neutral . Your starter is in need of replacement.

 

[Ottawaguy]

Thanks for the reply...but this problem was solved long ago....
There were no issues with the battery. Rolled over great.
The problem was with moisture. I replace wires, cap & rotor and have never had a problem since.