Starter overheating
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 915
Likes: 0
From: salinas ca
Are you sure its not a solenoid problem? My starter solenoid gets stuck sometimes and you need to smack it once or twice to cure the problem. Not sure if thats your problem or not but its worth a shot.
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Saratoga CA
Thanks
It might have been the solenoid. A couple of wacks or letting it cool down generally worked. The starter I bought came with the solenoid so I just replace the whole assembly. Thanks for the "starter wrap". I want to do something if I can to prevent future problems.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 16,028
Likes: 170
From: oregon
posts above are good info and i totally agree. in my case, i bought a "lifetime" spray N prey starter from a local store. when it acts funny, new one goes in. header heat does do damage. i probably should get the heat shield one of these days.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,621
Likes: 206
From: Orlando FL
Please fill out profile so we all know what year it is. And stating it won't hurt either, will get more accurate answers.
Now you say you replaced the starter. They usually come with a solenoid, so I’m thinking its new also. Did you have the same problem with old starter?
What are the real symptoms. Does it try to turn, click or make any noise. Is the solenoid getting the 12 volts when key is turned. Have you cleaned and checked battery terminals. An does it always, only happen when its hot?
Now you say you replaced the starter. They usually come with a solenoid, so I’m thinking its new also. Did you have the same problem with old starter?
What are the real symptoms. Does it try to turn, click or make any noise. Is the solenoid getting the 12 volts when key is turned. Have you cleaned and checked battery terminals. An does it always, only happen when its hot?
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Saratoga CA
I have an '89 coupe with 52K miles. The problem most often appeared when I had driven at highway speed for an hour or so on a hot day. When I went to restart the car there was no sound at all. I called AAA and by the time they got to me the starter had cooled enough to restart. A couple of times the tow truck operator knew of the problem and hit the started with a crow bar a couple of times and it started. Voltage has been OK. I haven't driven the car since I replaced the starter. I didn't have a problem the first 10 years. I bought the car new.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 14,924
Likes: 9
From: Merritt Ils Fl
This problem has plagued GM starters for many,many years. Weak spot is the brass contacts inside the solenoid. Won't conduct when hot and have considerable age. There are solutions to the problem ranging from anew starter, new solenoid, solenoid rebuild kit to cleaning the solenoid contacts. Ideal solution is a mini hi-torque starter. My son drives an old Chevy truck. He carries an unopened bottle of Coke with him at all times. When the starter doesn't work he opens the Coke, shakes well and sprays the starter to cool it down. Crazy but it works.
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