My 1988 ford f250 460cid auto with headers wont start when hot

My thought is why the cables get so hot when you just turn the key to run. It makes me think you may have a short. The cable you said might be touching the header can you get a piece of rubber or plastic between the possible connection. I have had cables be bad before I do not remember them being hot but if enough broke wires were arcing in the cable I guess it could cause the cable to be hot but I only see that when you try to crank the truck.

Hello Donn,

UN-fortunately 1988 is WELL before the OBD
(on board diagnostic)... DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE
Codes (DTC) got standardized...

So DAYS can be wasted looking for commonality...
(troubles).

Rather than assuming your spark, timing, fuel, ECU...
Oxygen Sensors. INJECTORS are all askew...

I would suggest that if you SATURATED YOUR
HEADER BOLTS with LIQUID WRENCH...

and opened you EXHAUST ahead of your catalytic
converters... ahead of your mufflers... you engine would run...

Obviously DANGEROUS to operate in that condition... at
least you would know what had to be REPLACED before
you can operate your vehicle SAFELY.

If you decide the job is a bit too much... at least
check out your PURCHASE cost of a replacement
CAT and/or MUFFLER...

Try rockauto
http://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/ford,1988,f-350,7.5l+460cid+v8,1126437,exhaust+&+emission

1988 FORD 350 7 5L 460cid V8 Catalytic Converter RockAuto

1988 FORD 350 7 5L 460cid V8 Muffler RockAuto

A common problem with Fords in hot weather is a weak ignition module. Some are mounted on the side of the dist. The coil can do the same thing.

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the starter motor could be faulty & needs to be replaced, if the battery leads are getting hot the starter motor is drawing too much current.....hope this helps....cheers.

sounds like your catalytic convertors are stopped up. Try loosing them from the headers and see if it will run. If so go to your local muffler shop and have them replaced

Sounds like ignition switch is bad, however check your starter to see if headers are to close making it hot, and check grounds.

your local auto dealer

The O2 sensors are mounted into the headers. If by aftermarket exhaust you mean a cat-back exhaust system with midpipes and mufflers, then the O2 sensors are a non-issue - they won't be touched. If you are doing cat-back, headers, and maybe high-flow cats, the O2 sensors will just screw directly into the new headers - they'll be set up to receive them.

You have a bad starter solenoid. Check with your local auto parts store as well. Some of them test these for free. Good luck to you and thanks for using Fixya!

-JC