Darryl,

I have used a number of different pics but the 16F819 is the 1st that I experienced powerup issues. Disabling the power-up timer eliminated my problem. I am controlling 5 relays and pwm a 40 amp motor, close to 100 amps total. I recently passed a battery of emc noise testing with the 16F819.
The power-up timer was frustrating, sometimes it powered up and worked fine, sometimes not. I am not using the master clear reset or low voltage programming in my design.
PCB layout, flyback diodes (across the relay coil), code design are important.
Good luck!

Mark