no crank/start when warm, cold fine, wtf?

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May 31, 2005 | 11:25 PM

C4Ownr24

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Racer

Joined: Oct 2004

Posts: 286

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From: Washington DC

no crank/start when warm, cold fine, wtf?

'85 coupe, 57k miles.

I have been chasing this problem for 5 months, and I am at the point, this is no exaggeration, where I am about to sell my vehicle because I am so frustrated.

First thing in the morning, or if the vehicle sits for a while, it will fire right up. After extended driving (30mins-1 hour,) If I shut the car down, it will not restart. No cranking. Just a click from the dash/firewall area, I think.)

Starter is new & good, vehicle charges around 14v, battery is a red top optima and tests out good. Wiring appears intact....WTF? I am at my wits end. Is it something with the anti-theft system or something? Any ideas?

Is this a known issue?

-pablo

May 31, 2005 | 11:43 PM

AGENT 86

Team Owner

Joined: Jan 2003

Posts: 20,315

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From: Summerland B.C. Canada

My first thought is have you tested to see if power is sent to the solenoid of starter when you have the problem ??
If yes then you found your problem area. If no, now you have to really start diagnosing using flow charts and info from the GM manual.
Tell us more

Jun 1, 2005 | 07:13 AM

C4Ownr24

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Oct 2004

Posts: 286

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From: Washington DC

Will do that tonight - anybody else?

Jun 1, 2005 | 10:27 AM

aboatguy

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Joined: Jan 2005

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From: Slidell Louisiana

Quote:

Originally Posted by AGENT 86

Chevy starters and solonoids have been known to fail when hot. Like Agent 86 said have you checked for voltage to the solonoid when hot?

Back in my high school days of big-blocks and headers I used to climb underneath with a big Snap-On screw driver to short the across the soloniod to start my car.

Mike

Jun 2, 2005 | 04:27 AM

wake

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Joined: Mar 1999

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From: Stafford, Virginia Kittah, Kittah, Kittah...

I had that problem with my old 88 IROC... It turned out that the solenoid was sticky when it was hot... Can you see the starter on your TPI engine from under the hood??? If so, maybe get a broomstick and tap on the solenoid the next time it won't start, that should tell you if you have a problem with it...

A couple of times it left me temporarily stranded, but I got going again by hitting the starter with a stick or maglight a few times...

Jun 2, 2005 | 10:49 AM

boatdoc

Instructor

Joined: Apr 2005

Posts: 126

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I've seen this tons of times. It's not a corvette thing but a GM deal. Happens on boats also. The solenoid gets hot from the exhaust and won't let the plunger inside move when you hit the key. It draws so many amps in the start position it seems there is no power anywhere. Try a better solenoid or wrapping the starter with something to keep some of the heat off it. I remember my high school days also and I too kept a big screwdriver and BFH in my El Camino just for this occasion. Now that I'm just a tad older,

,I wouldn't put up with it in the Vette. Good luck

Jun 2, 2005 | 11:43 AM

Fozzy_Bear

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Joined: Jun 2002

Posts: 2,435

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From: Richmond Virginia

CI 4-6-8 & 10 Veteran

St. Jude Contributor

Quote:

Originally Posted by boatdoc

I've seen this tons of times. It's not a corvette thing but a GM deal. Happens on boats also. The solenoid gets hot from the exhaust and won't let the plunger inside move when you hit the key
...

your choices are either;
(1) Hit it with a hammer when you need it
(2) Replace the starter and solenoid
(3) Wrap some heat insulation around your starter
(4) Wrap some heat insulation around your exhaust, (or have it jet-hot coated)
(5) Ditch your old starter and replace it with a mini-starter (farther from the exhaust = cooler )
or
(6)

Ditch your old starter and replace it with a mini-starter AND
Wrap some heat insulation around your starter AND
Wrap some heat insulation around your exhaust, (or have it jet-hot coated)

Obviously number 6 will yeild the most reliable results. Either way, the only real trick to the whole process it getting the car jacked up high enough. The starter is about the only mechanical piece on a C4 that is even remotely easy to get to - As long as the car is at least 18" off of the ground

Jun 2, 2005 | 12:35 PM

Sleazy Rider

Le Mans Master

Joined: Sep 2004

Posts: 6,019

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From: Conroe Texas

does the 85 have a fusable link in the line to the solenoid? if you check starting voltage's and do not get volts to the solenoid, check your wiring from the solenoid up the back of the engine. i think my 89 has the link, and if its there, yours will have it also.