Thermal Starter Cover
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 830
Likes: 6
Thermal Starter Cover
Team, when auto crossing my 1990 L98 ZF6sp I get a condition where the starter wont turn when hot. Bump it or cool it and it will function. Seems to be heat soak.
Mid America has a thermal starter cover but it's only good for C4's until 84. I don't see anything in my manual which covers 84-96 that makes the first year starter install look different than latter models? Anyone know why the blanket wouldn't work for a 1990?
Mid America has a thermal starter cover but it's only good for C4's until 84. I don't see anything in my manual which covers 84-96 that makes the first year starter install look different than latter models? Anyone know why the blanket wouldn't work for a 1990?
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 62,137
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From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
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84-87 starters are twice the size (and weight) of the Nippondenso model you have on your car from the factory, and they are far more prone to heat soak. Usually its the solenoid that is prone to soak more than the starter itself. I have upgraded to the later starter on my car.
I do not like putting a blanket over the starter, it tends to hold more heat in that way.
I do not like putting a blanket over the starter, it tends to hold more heat in that way.
Instructor
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 186
Likes: 0
From: Midwest
Team, when auto crossing my 1990 L98 ZF6sp I get a condition where the starter wont turn when hot. Bump it or cool it and it will function. Seems to be heat soak.
Mid America has a thermal starter cover but it's only good for C4's until 84. I don't see anything in my manual which covers 84-96 that makes the first year starter install look different than latter models? Anyone know why the blanket wouldn't work for a 1990?
Mid America has a thermal starter cover but it's only good for C4's until 84. I don't see anything in my manual which covers 84-96 that makes the first year starter install look different than latter models? Anyone know why the blanket wouldn't work for a 1990?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 830
Likes: 6
Actually this is a recently installed starter, second in 18 months. The original factory unit gave up at 122K miles. Is there a starter or year starter the will work and is better. Is it worth it/ is it possible to just replace the solinoid? Any information you can provide on the small starter is appreciated, link etc.
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Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2011
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Were you using a Nippon or Delco before?
The Nippon should not have the heat soak issue. Are you sure the problem is'nt the engine itself? timing too far advanced to crank when hot?
Blankets are useless as lips on a woodpecker. They hold the heat IN the starter...they do nothing to eliminate heat or protect the starter/solenoid.
In fact, nothing does that. Except a fan. The best you can hope for is a shield that will deflect some of the heat from headers away and off the starter. Wrap the header tubes, install a shield.
The Nippon should not have the heat soak issue. Are you sure the problem is'nt the engine itself? timing too far advanced to crank when hot?
Blankets are useless as lips on a woodpecker. They hold the heat IN the starter...they do nothing to eliminate heat or protect the starter/solenoid.
In fact, nothing does that. Except a fan. The best you can hope for is a shield that will deflect some of the heat from headers away and off the starter. Wrap the header tubes, install a shield.
Last edited by leesvet; Sep 23, 2011 at 09:42 PM.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 830
Likes: 6
Brand of the starter I am replacing is AC delco, the brand I am installing is Summit mini high torque. I don't know who builds Summits starters.
Same issue today on first long run of the car, car would crank. Amazing part is that the AAA guy's had one who had stopped for dinner at the McDonalds we were at, and the guy driving the flatbed we had called decided to jack the car, have me get in it to start it while the guy from our truck climbed under the hot car and banged on the starter well I cranked it. (all well on just the jack. Worked but was crazy.
I am going to show my ineptness here but why would the timing advance effect the starter. could it be my single mass steel spec flywheel?
Same issue today on first long run of the car, car would crank. Amazing part is that the AAA guy's had one who had stopped for dinner at the McDonalds we were at, and the guy driving the flatbed we had called decided to jack the car, have me get in it to start it while the guy from our truck climbed under the hot car and banged on the starter well I cranked it. (all well on just the jack. Worked but was crazy.
I am going to show my ineptness here but why would the timing advance effect the starter. could it be my single mass steel spec flywheel?
Racer
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 277
Likes: 8
From: Calgary Alberta
I have a '90 6 spd that I auto-X as well. Check your timing to make sure it's at the factory setting ( not too advanced). I put a heat shield on my factory starter and that seemed to help.
Another thing I do is raise my hood immediatley after a run while keeping the engine on for a few minutes, (depending on the amount of cars to run) That lets the heat out of the engine bay and I can do a quick visual to make sure nothing is leaking or popped loose. Hope this helps.
Another thing I do is raise my hood immediatley after a run while keeping the engine on for a few minutes, (depending on the amount of cars to run) That lets the heat out of the engine bay and I can do a quick visual to make sure nothing is leaking or popped loose. Hope this helps.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 830
Likes: 6
As strange as it sounds it appears my problem is being caused by a bad ground. My mechanic replaced the battery under warranty and the car fired right away. Got it home let it sit overnight, wouldn't fire. Checked the battery and it was 75%. Put it on the charger and she fired. The wired part was the starter cranked fine at 75% battery, but the car just wouldn't fire. I have had a whole lot of work done, so chasing this will be a problem. Rebuilt the steering colum, (now the windshield wipers don't work but the cruise does). Blew the fuses on the radios so it's out. New starter, fuel pump, clutch, turned the fly wheel, new sparkplug wires, new oil seals everywhere. Short could be anywhere. Well trying to start the car and pumping the gas peddel broke that and now have to figure out how to replace it. Only peddle a I cant find in my haynes manual.
Last edited by grantar2; Sep 25, 2011 at 08:58 PM.
