Sarting issue with big block
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 184
Likes: 13
Sarting issue with big block
Here is the problem. The car is a 1974 with a non-original mild 396 motor. Everything is new or rebuilt. The car starts on the first turn of the key every time when cold. After I drive it for ten minutes or so and shut it off, it will not restart. In fact when I turn the key nothing happens, the solenoid won't even click. It is like you were trying to start a car without a battery in it. After waiting for a half hour or so it will start right up again. The starter does not have a heat shield on it. Can heat cause the starter not to turn? Any ideas on this one. I have a new ignition switch that I am going to put in this weekend but I doubt that this is the issue since the car starts right up when it is cold. I am trying to finish a thirteen year project with this car. I just have the interior left to do but I don't want to put the dash back together until I get this starting issue solved. Any suggestions will be appreciated.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,729
Likes: 267
From: Austin Texas
Corvette of the Year Winner 2017
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
Hot starting problem ?
sounds like starter solenoid heat soak to me.
I assume you have checked all the starter connections.
are you using the standard GM starter or heavy duty version ?
I suggest a gear reduction starter, to remove the heat soak issue with that 40 year old starter design. 69 VETT
I assume you have checked all the starter connections.
are you using the standard GM starter or heavy duty version ?
I suggest a gear reduction starter, to remove the heat soak issue with that 40 year old starter design. 69 VETT
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 6,506
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From: Butler Pa
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 12,142
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From: Taylor Michigan
The car has a plastic body and needs good grounds. Check the negative connection on the frame from the battery. You may not need anything except a clean frame ground. It may sound rstrange but they will seek ground where ever they can find one. Even the emergency cable could be used and is often the root cause of the emergency cables to break.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,088
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From: NC
2022 C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified
The car has a plastic body and needs good grounds. Check the negative connection on the frame from the battery. You may not need anything except a clean frame ground. It may sound rstrange but they will seek ground where ever they can find one. Even the emergency cable could be used and is often the root cause of the emergency cables to break.
On my '69 when it was just a few years old, i had the same problem. We traced it to a fusible link in the starter wiring.
Good luck.
BILL SR
