Hi All,

It's been a while since I posted a repair article. I've neglected driving the L48 for the last two-three years due to an intermittent starter problem. Everytime I would drive it, it would not start after I parked it (it would act as if the starter was over-heating due to the Heddman header being so close to it).

Well, my recent unemployment has given me alot of time and motivation to resolve issues on the C3 in the event I decide to part with it (or, just to be able to enjoy it when time allows).

I had some time this morning so I decided to put the vette up on jack stands and take a closer look at my starter. 'Junior' the mechanic at the local NAPA store had suggested on Tuesday that there may be a loose connection at the starter. After I got the car situated (and disconnected the battery), I removed the cables from the two starter solenoid connections ('Bat' and 'S'), inspected the wires and found the primary 'battery' connection on the solenoid to be loose. As you all probably know, it is the larger threaded copper shaft that is held in place with one nut to secure the shaft and then the wires are attached over that nut and a lock washer and nut fasten the wires to the pole. The one nut that secures the shaft to the solenoid was loose allowing the copper shaft to be loose; no matter how tight I adjusted the outer nut, the inner nut and the shaft were not secure... resulting in a poor connection for starting the car. Once all was secured and put back together, I proceeded to drive the vette around town; shutting it off and starting it repeatedly. It started easily every time without hesitating. I've driven down to NAPA and advised them that I need not bring the car by Thursday. I probably saved $25-50 since it was just a loose connection (Junior would have figured it out also in short order).

So, if you have a stubborn starter, don't just replace it. Inspect the solenoid for loose connections and save a few $$. Now, I can enjoy nice summer drives with my girlfriend without worrying whether it will start... and, I'm not attributing poor starting to hot headers anymore.

As a footnote, I am going to attach an aluminum shield over the solenoid that I bought from Jegs a few years ago. It should help to assure solenoid health/longevity & continued peace of mind (of course, will do this once the car is cool and I disconnect the negative battery cable at the battery).

I'm looking forward to addressing a number of gremlins in the C3 while I prepare for the next chapter of my career.

 

I have experienced this problem as well. As far as the heatsoak issue, I've had that one too. Best thing I found for that so far has been the installation of a mini-starter. Glad you found the problem and I hope you do not have to part with your Corvette.

 

I've been told to use the mini-starter as well. Any particular one that you used? Any fit issues? Thanks.