'78 Starting Problem

[robertreid]

"78 124 Spider, engine spins and starts cold fine. Driving 5-10 minutes, still spins and starts fine after short stop. Runs great, but if I drive for an hour, or two, and stop, restart is very slow to turn over, like battery is very low. Will not start, however, if I wait twenty-thirty minutes, will spin over just fine and start, and run just fine. I've checked battery, and grounds. Bob

[RRoller123]

Have the battery checked by a garage, under load? That is key, that it be tested under load, and pretty much every garage has the right equip to do this. Usually free too.

[TStark]

Initial timing is too far advanced.

To confirm, repeat condition, remove coil wire. Cranking speed returns to normal .

[vandor]

If it's the timing, why does not do it when cold?
I think it is far more likely to be a poor connection, bad battery or starter. Checking the timing is easy with a timing light to eliminate this possibility, but IMO it's a long shot.

[spider2081]

I agree think electrical first.
Have you measured the voltage at the battery posts when the engine is running about 2,000 RPM to see what your charging voltage is? It should be between 13.8 and 14.5 volts. If lower check it at the alternator. If it is low at the alternator (below 13.5 volts) the alternator needs service. If good at alternator could be a connection as mentioned