Cranks like its overheating

[Agent_4573]

Ok so the car starts fine when its cold, but when you try to start it hot, it cranks real slow, like an overheating engine. I was told to retard the timing, which i did. It cranks better, but i want my timing back also. I didn't have any detonation before i retarded the timing and was wondering if it would be ok to put the timing back where it was and just deal with the slow cranks. I don't have a timing gun so i don't know exactly what the timings at and the car isn't overheating cuz i've taken the temp with an aftermarket gauge and w/ a thermometer in the radiator. Thanks guys.

[MEDIK418]

If it's not overheating then you have a couple of options. Back off the timing more, start using better gas (higher octane) of get a timing retard. I think MSD has one that works while you're cranking and backs off once running.

[1984 GT]

Sometimes the heat from the exhaust can be too much for the starter, maybe a starter heat blanket would help.