Have to push start 1985 Ford F250 4×4

Have to push start

Truck set up for 3 years. I put in new fuel, battery, had to push start, then started well till it sits for a few hours, then have to push start again.

Replace the starter if you find battery positive at the “S” terminal with the ignition key in the “START” position when it won’t start.

How to Test Starter

Place the transmission in N or P. Disconnect the vacuum line to the Thermactor® bypass valve, if equipped, before performing any cranking tests. After tests, run the engine for 3 minutes before connecting the vacuum line.

Starter Cranks Slowly

1. Connect jumper cables as shown in the Jump Starting procedure in Section 1. If, with the aid of the booster battery, the starter now cranks normally, check the condition of the battery. Recharge or replace the battery, as necessary. Clean the cables and battery posts and make sure connections are tight.
2. If Step 1 does not correct the problem, clean and tighten the connections at the starter relay and battery ground on the engine. You should not be able to rotate the eyelet terminals easily, by hand. Also make sure the positive cable is not shorted to ground.
3. If the starter still cranks slowly, it must be replaced.

Starter Relay Operates But Starter Doesn’t Crank

1. Connect jumper cables as shown in the Jump Starting procedure in Section 1. If, with the aid of the booster battery, the starter now cranks normally, check the condition of the battery. Recharge or replace the battery, as necessary. Clean the cables and battery posts and make sure connections are tight.
2. If Step 1 does not correct the problem, clean and tighten the connections at the starter and relay. Make sure the wire strands are secure in the eyelets.
3. On models with a fender mounted solenoid, if the starter still doesn’t crank, it must be replaced.
4. On vehicles with starter mounted solenoid: Connect a jumper cable across terminals B and M of the starter solenoid. If the starter does not operate, replace the starter. If the starter does operate, replace the solenoid.
   CAUTION
   Making the jumper connections could cause a spark. Battery jumper cables or equivalent, should be used due to the high current in the starting system.

Starter Doesn’t Crank — Relay Chatters or Doesn’t Click

1. Connect jumper cables as shown in the Jump Starting procedure in Section 1. If, with the aid of the booster battery, the starter now cranks normally, check the condition of the battery. Recharge or replace the battery, as necessary. Clean the cables and battery posts and make sure connections are tight.
2. If Step 1 does not correct the problem, remove the push-on connector from the relay (red with blue stripe wire). Make sure the connection is clean and secure and the relay bracket is grounded.
3. If the connections are good, check the relay operation with a jumper wire. Remove the push-on connector from the relay and, using a jumper wire, jump from the now exposed terminal on the starter relay to the main terminal (battery side or battery positive post). If this corrects the problem, check the ignition switch, neutral safety switch and the wiring in the starting circuit for open or loose connections.
4. If a jumper wire across the relay does not correct the problem, replace the relay.

Start Spins But Doesn’t Crank Engine

1. Remove the starter.
2. Check the armature shaft for corrosion and clean or replace, as necessary.
3. If there is no corrosion, replace the starter drive.