Starter?
Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Starter?
I have replaced the ignition switch, starter, and battery in my 78. I am experiencing from a cold start, the car performs normal; but once I shut it down after operating it to normal temperature, it won't say nothing. I need help because I don't have a clue were to start.
Last edited by jspiv04; Jun 1, 2016 at 01:47 PM.
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 18,756
Likes: 2,589
are you stating when warm you have nothing, no lights, no radio?
are the battery cable ends in good condition?
did you check the ground connection under the battery compartment where the cable attaches to the frame?
are the battery cable ends in good condition?
did you check the ground connection under the battery compartment where the cable attaches to the frame?
Last edited by MelWff; Jun 1, 2016 at 03:33 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 7,123
Likes: 433
From: Gladstone MO
C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
And the short cable from the right frame/mount to the block.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,714
Likes: 42
From: Austin Texas
I had this problem too and made the following changes.
1. Clean connection points on ground cable from block to frame on passenger side.
2. Clean ground connection from battery to frame.
3. Add additional ground from starter to frame
4. Added heat shield.
5. Installed 1000 CA battery
6. Removed heat shield and added new PMGR starter from 2000 cadillac escalade
7. Replaced copper clad aluminum battery cables with new larger copper cables.
I have headers in Texas and it always cranks now. #7 was the game changer.
john
1. Clean connection points on ground cable from block to frame on passenger side.
2. Clean ground connection from battery to frame.
3. Add additional ground from starter to frame
4. Added heat shield.
5. Installed 1000 CA battery
6. Removed heat shield and added new PMGR starter from 2000 cadillac escalade
7. Replaced copper clad aluminum battery cables with new larger copper cables.
I have headers in Texas and it always cranks now. #7 was the game changer.
john
Last edited by johnt365; Jun 1, 2016 at 04:21 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 3,233
Likes: 657
From: Thunder Bay
Very common problem. Undoubtedly it has everything to do with old cables and bad connections and just not enough juice getting to the battery. The final solution for me was the switch to a modern gear reduction starter. I used one for a 1996 full size chevy truck. It works with the larger flywheel. Did the swap many years ago after years of chasing my tail, never had a problem since.
Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
I have power to radio, lights, etc., but car won't turn over once it's warm. I have replaced connections to battery as well. Ground connection is ok as well. I recently put headers on, is there a such thing as the starter being too hot?
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Drifting
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,714
Likes: 42
From: Austin Texas
When you check the grounds, I would get a dremmel and make new metal on the block and on the frame then wire wheel the ends of the cable and reattach. Then add an extra...
The newer starter that is mentioned here is smaller, lighter and more powerful.
Upgrading your cables will be the hardest and cost the most after a new starter but it will likely solve the issue. I used this guy http://custombatterycables.com/.
Hope this helps.
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 18,756
Likes: 2,589
1. Install a heat shield, http://www.summitracing.com/parts/mr...FRSPfgodiswAgA
2. Too much initial timing can cause this. What is your initial timing set for?
2. Too much initial timing can cause this. What is your initial timing set for?