mini-starter problem
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
mini-starter problem
I have had starter and solenoid problems with my 1971 LS-5 454 Stingray for years. Because of its location on the starter, it is very close to the ex-manifold. The heat caused problems starting. Most of the time all I needed to do was wait and let the solenoid cool down and the problem would go away. However, this can be annoying and embarrassing. In the long run, the heat kills the solenoid altogether. While starter heat shields help the problem, they don't solve it. I tried a heavy duty DELCO solenoid. When that didn't solve the hot solenoid problem, I relocated the starter solenoid under the hood, away from the heat of the exhaust system. As discribed at the folowing website, http://www.novaresource.org/starter.htm
That worked for awhile but the Full size HD GM starter would get fried after a year. So then bought a GM mini-starter (S-200)with a staggered bolt pattern as was the original starter from, http://www.racecaroesupply.com/
Now I have a new problem.
The starter stays engaged for a second or two after the engine has started. Shiming has not had any effect. HELP!
That worked for awhile but the Full size HD GM starter would get fried after a year. So then bought a GM mini-starter (S-200)with a staggered bolt pattern as was the original starter from, http://www.racecaroesupply.com/
Now I have a new problem.
The starter stays engaged for a second or two after the engine has started. Shiming has not had any effect. HELP!
Race Director
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 11,360
Likes: 382
From: Plano TX
Re: mini-starter problem (bigblock71)
The s-200 looks suspicously similar to a late model 454 truck starter. If it is, the mounting bolt holes are metric. Using standard bolts with this starter will result in the starter being able to move slightly. I'd recommend you take one of the bolts out and try and wiggle it in the moutning boss hole. any movement is incorrect. it should be a very snug fit.
I used the late model truck starter on my 454 and what Idid to fix it was to get some 3/8" tubing from the HW store and tapped it inot the moutning boss holes. I could then use regular standard bolts with no play.
I used the late model truck starter on my 454 and what Idid to fix it was to get some 3/8" tubing from the HW store and tapped it inot the moutning boss holes. I could then use regular standard bolts with no play.
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Re: mini-starter problem (zwede)
Thank you for your kind reply to my post. I do have a few questions about your Corvette. What type of starter are you using? Have you had a starting or a heat sink hard starting problems like mine? What brand and rate of battery are you using? Do you drive the car daily? What type of alternator are you using? amps rating-Stock pully etc. What did you think of the solution on the following web site. http://www.novaresource.org/starter.htm
Have you ever tried this set uop with a mini-starter? Thanks for any help. I will be checking out the bolt play issue to see if that could be the problem.
Have you ever tried this set uop with a mini-starter? Thanks for any help. I will be checking out the bolt play issue to see if that could be the problem.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 1,003
Likes: 0
From: GA
Re: mini-starter problem (bigblock71)
I had a problem with heat soak when I first bought my vette. I finally bought a mini-starter very similar to the one you have. I had a problem shimming at first and then realized that the back of the starter was hitting on my heat shield for the sparkplug wires running along the engine block. I decided to remove it and all is fine now. I still have my shield just in case I need to reinstall but I don't see needing it. Good luck on your fix. These things can make you go insane sometimes :crazy:
OH Everything else is pretty much stock. Nothing spectacular as far as alternater or battery goes.
OH Everything else is pretty much stock. Nothing spectacular as far as alternater or battery goes.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 11,360
Likes: 382
From: Plano TX
Re: mini-starter problem (bigblock71)
I'm using the starter from a 97 chevy full size pickup w/ 454. I don't have any hot start problems at all. Battery is just a regular one from walmart of all places. It's a daily driver in Texas, so it gets plenty hot. Alternator is from a 79 vette (12SI series, 80 amps).
I took a quick look at the website. I guess it might work, but the ministarter should not have any heat soak problems with the stock solenoid position.
I took a quick look at the website. I guess it might work, but the ministarter should not have any heat soak problems with the stock solenoid position.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 4,977
Likes: 38
From: Massachusetts , USA,
Re: mini-starter problem (bigblock71)
Had hot start problem with my 66 big/block, resolved via the remote solinoid kit from Summit for 25 bucks, has all the components you need including wires, put solinoid on firewall next to heaterbox , no hot start problems at all...a good remidie , I also put a mini starter on ....Worked for me....The Dog. :yesnod: :flag
