Mcmahill51

1990 c4 manual trans, stock. When engine is cold, car starts right up. Drive until hot, stop, won't start. Battery light goes on along with check engine. After it cools, both lights go out and starts.

Any ideas?

Thanks!

billschroeder5842

Can you give some more information?

Does the engine spin? Does it catch at all? What does your temp gauge say on the engine?

BTW... CEL and BAT light are on normally as you are trying to start the engine and/or until it catches.

Mcmahill51

Sorry. Engine won't turn over. Battery shows 12.8 volts. Temp gauge in middle of range which is normal for car.

Thanks for info on lights; had no idea!

Mcmahill51

Found "heat soaked" starter under search. Sounds like the problem. Comments?

I do hear faint solenoid click when trying to start hot.

billschroeder5842

That,s where I'd start; You got to get her spinning before you can diagnose anything else.

antfarmer2

Rebuild it if it is original

ellis1969

I have the same problem. Have replaced the starter, no effect. How did you solve your problem?

antfarmer2

Load test your battery clean connections both sides and behind the bolt check cables and clean jump box behind the battery if you have one.

VikingTrad3r

what is the reason to recommend a rebuild versus a purchase of a aftermarket one?

antfarmer2

Much better starter that you cannot find anymore and much cheaper.

jimmers

I got mine rebuilt when it failed.

aklim

Depends on what you are trying to achieve. If you want a high torque starter, probably have to buy a new one unless you can find an old core. If you get an Autozone one, well.... it is going to cost you less up front but maybe not cheap in the long run. If I was getting a stock one, I'd have it rebuilt so I have some control of what goes into it as opposed to something you put in and sell me shipped from the middle of BFE.

ellis1969

Guess what? I replaced the starter AGAIN! and all is well.

antfarmer2

aklim

Did you have the starter taken apart and visually tested or how did you determine it was bad?

aklim

Wait till the repair lasts or a post mortem on the supposedly bad starter

ellis1969

When I first installed the brand new AutoZone (lifetime warranty) starter, it worked cold, but not hot. Then it wouldn't even spin the engine cold. I tried everything else, assuming the new starter was good, but finally jumped across the battery lead / solenoid terminals, and nothing happened. Considered taking it apart, but since it was warranted, pulled it out and got another one. This fine red convertible is back on the road now........and looking good.

aklim

Lifetime warranty is so you can feel good about buying a store brand. In reality, I wouldn't get one since I don't think it will "go the distance". It just means you will pay to have someone install it again whether it is you (your own time) or someone else. Kinda like Wal*Mart. Sure, it is OK to buy Mobil 1 oil since it is a known quantity. I wouldn't buy their store brand of anything. For me, the aggravation isn't worth it. I'd pay more to get a known good company or have someone rebuild it that you can trust. Even if you paid for the labor and parts, it isn't fun getting stuck somewhere in the middle of BFE. Good luck. Next time it fails, forget the warranty and get something good.

ellis1969

Point taken, thanks.