Very hard to start - 1985 Ford F350

Testing for hard start should be done by a qualified deiagnostic technician . Could be caused by a number of thing's , sensors , fuel system componets etc.....
Having service repair info. ,proper diagnostic testing tools
048 Engine Hard to Start or No Start Scan Data for Starting Problems
047 Engine Hard to Start or No Start Scan Data for Ignition
046 Engine Hard to Start or No Start Scan Data for No Start

Could you give more detail as to what it's doing exactly? Is it having a hard time cranking the engine or does the engine crank but not want to get started?

Sounds like bad vacuumed leak because of brake being hard.check that the hose from power brake diapham on fire wall to intake manifold in on not got a hole in it and if it seems ok pull hose off brake unit and plug and start.good luck.if that solves it replace brake booster.

After start go to D and then to 3 and 2. Usually 3 should get you enough power up or down a hill. What is hard about changing gear?
WHAT vehicle is it?

"Hard starting" is a very vague description of the problem. There are MANY things that can make an engine hard to start - ranging from a weak battery to a bad fuel pump, to worn-out spark plugs or a plain, worn-out engine...

The only "solution" I can offer at this point, would be to recommend doing some diagnostics to determine at least which system in your vehicle is the cause of the hard starting.

"hard to start" is a very vague description of the problem. There are MANY things that can make an engine hard to start - ranging from a weak battery to a bad fuel pump, to worn-out spark plugs or a plain, worn-out engine...

The only "solution" I can offer at this point, would be to recommend doing some diagnostics to determine at least which system in your vehicle is the cause of the hard starting.

Replace the starter

If it was hards to start the past week and will not start now, I would check the coill first. Ehen they go bad they take their time to die out leaving at least some notice of hard starting

could be coolant temp sensor

what do you mean start hard?
you mean slow cranking or long cranking before start?