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Topic: starter heat

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starter heat (1/13)
4/19/15 4:39pm

Lilfur
Former Member
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Elyria, OH - USA

Vette(s):
1968 convertable - 427 B.B. International Blue exterior - Dark Blue interior - Power Steering - Power Brakes - Dual Quad Carbs - 4 speed - Power windows

Joined: 3/25/2006
Posts: 13

Have a 1968 big block 427. Once car has run for a while and engine heats up , and I stop engine , and try to start back up it barley turns over. However let engine cool down , starts right up. I was told this was normal for the big blocks. I have installed the heat shield around the starter, has not helped replaced all wiring, and even replaced with a new starter , still same thing. Someone mentioned to me they ended up replacing the starter with a new high torque style, and it seemed to work. Any idea's out there ???

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Re: starter heat (2/13)
4/19/15 9:14pm

eldredjames

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Temple City, CA - USA

Vette(s):
1969 Daytona Yellow. 350 / Automatic.

Joined: 10/3/2010
Posts: 365

Have you got headers running close to the starter heating it up? If its any consolation, I had a 53 Chevy Wagon with the same problem. I never solved it.

Jim

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Re: starter heat (3/13)
4/19/15 9:45pm

No headers regular exhaust manifolds.

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Re: starter heat (4/13)
4/19/15 10:01pm

Sarge81

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WEST SENECA, NY - USA

Vette(s):
1981 Blue Ice Met. w/pearl ghost flames TKO500 5speed. LS1 Swap 3.45 Dana 44.

Joined: 12/3/2001
Posts: 2379

Is the starter original or a rebuild/reman?

Have you done any voltage tests at the terminals on the starter when its hot?

Heat can cause havoc on old wiring. Heat will also wreak havoc on old starters or rebuilt ones that weren't actually rebuilt properly. The armatures can drag inside when hot or the armature windings might not be up to par on a rebuilt unit.

I would start with checking voltage at the terminals when cold and then hot to see if the starter wiring is whooped. If the voltage is low when its hot then try jumpering the positive battery cable to the solenoid and see if the starter spins the engine over normal. If the starter still cranks slow then I'd suspect the starter is tired. Let us know what you come up with.

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GEN III 5.7L "LS6" Engine swap
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Re: starter heat (5/13)
4/20/15 2:21pm

knotacare
Former Member
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Newark, DE - USA

Vette(s):
1968 Conv, 454HO,500HP-600TQ, TKO-600,3:70 HD rear,hotrod air, custom paint & suspension,1973 Ruby Red,T-top, 383 Stroker, TK)-500,frame off restro, 1967 Dodge Coronet, 340 stroker to 406, Dana 60

Joined: 7/26/2004
Posts: 463

The positive cable on older chevy tends to erode over time so they will not carry the proper current especially when the wire gets warm, but you say you replaced all wires. A mini high tq starter will solve the problem..put one on my 68 & 73 for the same reason.

Alan

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Re: starter heat (6/13)
4/20/15 3:38pm

Do you recall what starter you used. The mini one.

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Re: starter heat (7/13)
4/20/15 4:03pm

No I don't remember, it was any yrs ago, but any mini starter from a good reseller shrould be fine. I bought one for my Dodge a few yrs ago off of ebay & it still work fine & that engine is a high compression engine that puts out more heat than the 454. A big plus is they are very small & light which make the install easier. If the starter ever goes in the 77 a mini will replace it & I'll just have the factory one rebuilt.

Alan

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Re: starter heat (8/13)
4/20/15 10:50pm

Adams' Apple

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Duncanville, TX - USA

Vette(s):
#1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas

Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20128

You need to make sure you have a high torque starter on your car to start with. ALL big blocks came with them. If the starter has ever been replaced in the past, chances are it was replaced with a "regular" starter.

I've cured this same issue on MANY big block Chebbies by using a Ford starter solenoid, and a minor wiring modification. The real problem is usually NOT the starter motor, but the solenoid itself.

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Joel Adams
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Re: starter heat (9/13)
4/22/15 11:50am

74-454

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, - Canada

Vette(s):
Coupe 74 - 454 Drive it like you stole it!

Joined: 8/6/2004
Posts: 533

Had the exact same problem. To the point that if I had to stop my engine, I would make sure it was parked in a spot it could stay there for an hour or 2 and there was a restaurant nearby so I could go sit down and have a snack while the car cools down.

I first replaced the solenoid, but the isolating rubber was dry and fell of on re-assembly; which means that on my first start after installing the new solenoid; I had a mini firework and fried the whole thing.

I took the entire starter off and did a core trade-in against a rebuilt one (identical for big block) at a local ACDelco shop. It was a while ago, but I think I paid less than 100$ with the core exchange. Worked on first start and never had that problem again.

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Re: starter heat (10/13)
4/22/15 1:12pm

Adams' Apple

Lilfur said:...and even replaced with a new starter , still same thing.

I missed that on the first read. That statement in itself would lead me to think there is a wiring issue. Could be the main battery cable from the battery to the starter solenoid, or the "start" circuit from the iggy switch. The purple wire on the solenoid MUST have 12v while cranking to fully engage the solenoid, and make the starter spin. Same with the battery cable on the solenoid.....if voltage gets below 10v, the starter will not spin at full speed.
One of the reasons using a Ford solenoid works so well is that it eliminates a problem with the iggy switch, and low voltage to the "start" terminal on the solenoid, plus, it removes the solenoid for the heat that can cause that.

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Re: starter heat (11/13)
4/23/15 3:20pm

JMB
Former Member
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Cohasset, MA - USA

Vette(s):
1968 coupe bought in 1999, 2nd owner, 427 custom built, 4 speed (M20), 3:36 posi rear end, Recaro seats, Intro wheels, Nitto tires, Flowmasters, etc. Painted nite race metallic blue.

Joined: 1/5/2004
Posts: 36

I have a mini high torque starter with the 427 and competition Hedman headers. Never had problems with it. The starter is also insulated. I would suggest as has been stated before to make sure the wiring is good (I have replaced all my engine wiring), your starter is not overheating ( some insulation will help), and that you have a high torque starter. The new mini ones are much lighter with longer term reliability. I do not remember the manufacturer of the mini as it has been quite a while since I put in.

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Re: starter heat (12/13)
4/24/15 1:10pm

nosal1
Former Member
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Dunedin, FL - USA

Vette(s):
1980 Corvette Torch Red with Gold metallic 370HP/350 CU.IN.Turbo 350 w/shift kit.Originally CA.Car with 305 CU.IN.

Joined: 3/21/2006
Posts: 262

As usual Joel is on the stick..I have on all my cars set up using " Yuck' Ford solenoid system and they are perfect.I have them on my '72 truck which has headers,my '68 Camaro,and my '80 Vette (also headers) with no problems..I have waiting in stock several mini starters and not needed at this time..

The solenoid system can be bought through Summit/Jegs or another rep as well.

I have bought the solenoid made a brass strip ( for between + post and solenoid post on solenoid) increased length of Purple wire to reach s Position on Ford solenoid and made battery cables for system.

The only concern was on the Vette as plastic does not conduct or ground very well,hence you have to find a good ground and attach to the base of the solenoid..

In short with this system you re-leave the starer solenoid of the constant current while driving because no current/voltage can travel to the starter solenoid..

Good Luck I know this is as clear as mud..Have a great one all.. Sal C

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Re: starter heat (13/13)
4/25/15 1:23pm

danascar
Standard Member
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Germansville, PA - USA

Vette(s):
1974 Coupe 358ci 4 speed Black w/Medium Saddle interior w/79 custom leather seats. . 1999 C5 Convertible, 6 speed, Atomic orange, Oak interior.

Joined: 1/28/2010
Posts: 858

Yup, heat soak of the solenoid is the problem Had it a few times. Hi torque starter and maybe a heat shield will solve the problem. I put both on my car and have not had a problem since.

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DanT

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