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Jun 24, 2003 | 09:41 PM

bustatc

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From: Beloit OH

Starter Question

I think I have finally narrowed down my search to find out why my car won't start after it warms up. If the engine is cool it starts perfectly, but after a 15 minute ride or so it won't start up. It will as soon as you turn it off but after 5 minutes or so it won't for about 30 or 40 minutes. It seems that the starter warms up and won't start unless there is a jump from another car or I let it sit for 45 minutes or so. I am pretty sure it is the starter. Which leads me to my question. Is it okay to just put a cheapo 30 dollar starter from Autozone in? If I do this will I have the same problem, or do I need to put in a high performance starter that is 100 dollars more? Has anyone had any experiance with Autozone cheapo starters? I plan on keeping mine and getting it rebuilt eventually but right now the 30 dollar one sounds like the way to go if it will start. Thanks for all your help.

Jun 25, 2003 | 06:00 AM

Mystery Machine

Drifting

Joined: Jul 2002

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From: Cocoa Beach FL

Re: Starter Question (bustatc)

I have had really bad problems with "heat soak" as I've heard it called. I went through several "cheapo" startes before I tried a gear reduction, mini starter that supposedly isn't effected by heat. It costs a little more (!$150) but so far no problems. :thumbs:

Oh, I also put an insulation blanket over it just in case.

Jun 25, 2003 | 10:11 AM

hauk

Instructor

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From: jacksonville florida

Re: Starter Question (bustatc)

I went the Autozone route and the starter worked great for 2 days and then the heat got to it,Since the thing was warranteed I took it back and got another one,Yep you guessed it that one did the same thing,I got my money refunded because they did not want to keep giving me starters and bought a Power master Master Torque starter from Summit ($149.00),You can turn it away from the block because is 5 position adjustable, I wrapped it with a heat blanket just for insurance and I have had no more problems :hurray:

Jun 25, 2003 | 02:30 PM

Steve Grodin

Burning Brakes

Joined: Feb 1999

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Re: Starter Question (hauk)

Those high dollar starters will solve the heat soak problem, although expensive. The real problem is the spring in solenoid. You can buy an optional spring for the solenoid from your local chevy dealer, cost is about $3.50. I used to have the part # but have lost it. I have headers that run right under the starter and I don't have any hot start problems, even on a very hot day after running for hours.

[Modified by Steve Grodin, 11:42 AM 6/25/2003]

[Modified by Steve Grodin, 11:43 AM 6/25/2003]

Jun 25, 2003 | 02:49 PM

Fevre

Race Director

Joined: Mar 2001

Posts: 11,322

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From: Living in the Hartland

Re: Starter Question (Steve Grodin)

Quote:

Steve is that spring rated higher or lower than what would be considered stock?

Jun 25, 2003 | 02:50 PM

red topless gator

Melting Slicks

Joined: Nov 2000

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From: St. Louis Mo

Re: Starter Question (bustatc)

I had heat soak with my starter 2 years ago, got a cheapie and had the original rebuilt for $120.00, no problems since then..........LT :seeya

Jun 25, 2003 | 03:01 PM

Steve Grodin

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Re: Starter Question (Fevre)

Fevre,
I'm not sure on the rating for the spring, its been a few years. I do remember that the parts guy knew exactly what I was talking about.

Jun 26, 2003 | 04:09 PM

bustatc

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From: Beloit OH

Re: Starter Question (bustatc)

Thanks, for all the help. I definatley will not go for one of the cheapo starters now. But would I be better off just getting my starter rebuilt? Any opinions?

Thanks