Cold start

[Blacktank]

start at the beginning and check for codes,easiest way is to see if autozone/o'reilly's will do it or a mechanic or you can do it
https://www.scribd.com/doc/34996350/Ford...-Procedure

if it runs smooth when started there is nothing wrong with your engine

if the temp sensor is bad it wont send the signal to the computer telling it is cold so the computer wont adjust the fuel and spark accordingly and it wont start right or it could be the fuel supply

[weigh2ez]

What brand of plugs do you have in it?  Are they properly gapped?  It's been my experience that Champion plugs work well in Chrysler products but not in all vehicles.  How about plug wires?  Plug wires will break down and get brittle and if there is moisture from high humidity when you cold start the spark can jump from the wire.  If you could look at the engine in the dark when you cold start there will be a light show on cold start.  Just an idea.  A hairline crack in the distributor cap could give you troubles too.

[MN C Van]

You need to get the thing diagnosed as Gary suggests. I'm not sure it would have On Board Diagnostics being an '88, but whatever the method a diagnosis procedure needs to be followed.

If you can't go to the mechanic, then either you'll have to DIY, have the mechanic come to you, or live with it.
Not to be master of the obv, but if we start guessing over the internet, it will lead to the problem not being fixed and lots of money spent.

[RoamingKat]

Well, I was actually looking for ideas on how to get this diagnosis done....not looking for an internet diagnosis itself.

I am somehow Leary of the mobile mechanics ... like on Craigslist. Think I will try to check around if anyone has a recommendation for one around here. I miss Car Talk...I could always go there and look for a good mechanic in their listings. (Plus I miss Click and Clack).

[weigh2ez]

If you have a parts store you trust ask them who they might recommend for your vehicle.  My friends at the NAPA store know who the flim flam guys to stay away from.

[RoamingKat]

Finally found someone to do a “home visit”. Mobile mechanic will check this out here in the driveway tomorrow. Once I know what it is...I can drive it to the mechanic for the repair.

[RoamingKat]

Ok...back to square one. The mobile mechanic cannot/will not come out this far to help me.

So, I need to know if this problem will get worse. I am not able to do anything about this until I either 1) get to somewhere I can get a mobile mechanic, or 2) the heat ends so that I can stay overnight without a hookup for AC.

The AC isn’t that big a deal to me...but, I have a fur baby. She cannot take her fur coat off and so suffers terribly in this high heat without the AC.

Since this started...it got worse for the first few days. But, since the last couple weeks, it take the same amount of tries to start it..about 8-10 times. I hate to start it every 8 hours just to keep this from happening...I worry that the battery won’t take it, since I would not be driving it anywhere.

I estimate I will be here in NC for another month...maybe more.

[Blacktank]

kat if you can calculate solar you can do this https://www.scribd.com/doc/34996350/Ford...-Procedure

[RoamingKat]

This is driving me crazy.

On Wednesday I finally took the RV to a mechanic. Found one with a secure yard (barbed wire, locks, etc). It was a bear to start. Took about 10 tries.

Thursday mechanic put his gauges on it in the morning. Fuel pressure looked good everywhere! Started right up for him! Of course! Never yet had a vehicle that didn’t suddenly act right around a mechanic. Checked codes...nothing wrong...anywhere.

Now..it was near 100 when he started it. Does temp make that difference? It was in the 70s (60s) each morning when it failed for me.

This RV has failed to start without a struggle every single time for the last 6 weeks...until yesterday!
What? Any ideas?

[GotSmart]

Marry a mechanic?

I hate it when that happens.