I bought my first Vette last February (1979). Since then, I've put just 400 miles on it. However I have this starting problem:

If I drive for any distance at slow speeds (35mph or under), no problem, with or without the A/C engaged.

If I travel on the open hiway at speeds in excess of 55mph for 30 miles or more(no A/C), the temp guage rises to about 185-190, but I have no problem starting after shutdown.

Now, if I travel in excess of 55mph for 30 miles or more with the A/C activated, the temp guage rises to about 210. However, the car will not even make a sound if I try to start it after shutdown. If I let it cool down for 45 minutes to an hour, it will start right up without a hitch.

I've read some feedback on this thread that the starter is too close to the header, and this affects the solonoid. Any surefire fix?

 

I suffer with you. After my tranny project, I'll look at this. Options are...

1) Relocate solonoid
2) Try mini starter
3) Heat shield on starter

I'm gonna try #2. Probably lots of other ideas too. Do a search on "heat soak" in the archives and you can read all night.
Good luck...

 

Replace the solenoid with a new AC Delco unit (D981). Replace the spring with a shorter unit (GM 1958679). Total cost: under 30 bucks. It's working for me!

 

I agree with both posters. In the meantime, just open up the hood when you stop and that should help dissipitate enough heat to start back up. Also when you get gas, you can check your oil. :cheers:

 

There can be another problem if the 79 is like my 82 where the starter wiring harness is concerned. My 82 had the same basic problem, and the heat shield and the GM solenoid spring did not help at all. The problem was WIRING.

If the 79 is like this, it is highly likely to be the problem. On the 80-82 models there is a starter harness extension. This wiring harness connects to the main harness right behind the passenger side head, between the head and the firewall. There is a 6 pin connector, one side is typically clear/white and the other is black. This connector/harness supplies 100% of the power to the fuse block, and 100% of the power to ENGAGE the solenoid. Due to the heat in this location, this brass connectors will corrode, and the resistance will therfore increase. This resistance causes more heat, and the plastic connector will fail, typically melting. A poor connection in this connector will prevent the solenoid from ever firing.

I replaced the plastic connector parts once, and cleaned the brass contacts. This lasted for about 2 years. The problem re-surfaced. I then decided to remove the connector, direct connect the wires, solder, and seal with heat shrink tubing. No more problems, none, nada.

Check it out...

Tom Melton
82 CE
86 Z51 Coupe


[Modified by tommelton, 6:38 PM 9/12/2002]

 

I have that spring. ($1.61). Should I replace the spring in my existing solenoid or do you think I might as well get a new solenoid and replace the spring in the new one?

Also, would you happen to know the GM part # for the AC Delco D981 solenoid? MJ


[Modified by MNJack, 1:42 AM 9/13/2002]

 

My solenoid came without a spring. But it did come with a packet of "solenoid lubricant." I wonder if that helped...

Just ask your Chevy dealer for a solenoid for your car...it's just a stock item. Only the spring is different.

 

the GM # is 1114458