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LS7 Starting Issues

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Old Feb 29, 2020 | 12:30 AM
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From: The Woodlands Texas / NCRS#44750
Default LS7 Starting Issues

I have a 2013 427. It’s had the “starting issue” for a while. Here’s a few facts:

1. Replaced starter. Twice.
2. Noticed shavings in oil. Bearings failed. Rebuilt engine.
3. Replaced battery. Twice.
4. Replaced cables from battery to fuse box.

Still happening. Any recommendations on what to try next? I’m wanting to set this car on fire at this point. Joking. Kind of.
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Old Feb 29, 2020 | 04:22 AM
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A few questions does it do it intermittently, does it do it weather its hot engine or cold, is it cranking slow or not cranking at all. Does it crank and just won't start.

This is something we should all be aware of...



Last edited by NCC-1701; Feb 29, 2020 at 04:37 AM.
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Old Feb 29, 2020 | 04:24 AM
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More info is needed. You rebuilt the engine? stock? Does it start when cold, but not when hot? Mods?
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Old Feb 29, 2020 | 09:03 AM
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From: The Woodlands Texas / NCRS#44750
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Originally Posted by LMB-Z
More info is needed. You rebuilt the engine? stock? Does it start when cold, but not when hot? Mods?
Rebuilt stock. Starts cold every time. Drags when hot.
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Old Feb 29, 2020 | 09:04 AM
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From: The Woodlands Texas / NCRS#44750
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Originally Posted by NCC-1701
A few questions does it do it intermittently, does it do it weather its hot engine or cold, is it cranking slow or not cranking at all. Does it crank and just won't start.

This is something we should all be aware of...


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EI1IQ5eEkTM
Starts cold all the time. Got it drags REALLY bad and sometimes won’t turn over enough to start.
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Old Feb 29, 2020 | 09:57 AM
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I have a 2013 427. Every once in a while when I go to start it, it also drags. Cannot find any issues. It is intermittent so I am just keeping an eye on it and carry a battery booster in the trunk.
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Old Feb 29, 2020 | 10:04 AM
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Old Feb 29, 2020 | 05:45 PM
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Do you have headers? Oem starter? My oem starter would do this after headers Because of heat soak. Powermaster starter fixed it
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Old Feb 29, 2020 | 10:29 PM
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From: The Woodlands Texas / NCRS#44750
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Originally Posted by baxsom
Do you have headers? Oem starter? My oem starter would do this after headers Because of heat soak. Powermaster starter fixed it
100% stock
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Old Mar 1, 2020 | 06:38 AM
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Originally Posted by HouTex1964Vert
100% stock
I have a 16 CTS V with your same issue when cold it starts up fine when hot occasionally it will start like the battery is low. Ive taken it to the Cadi dealership probably 4 times now for slow cranking and they can't duplicate the issue I get in it and it happens. They have replaced the battery 2 times and it still does it. I have it at the dealership now and I told them to replace the starter because I believe that that is what it is. I also told them to look at the push start button of the car as well. I had a SL 55 Mercedes with the same issue and after several battery replacements I insisted they changed the starter and that was the issue. Since you have replaced the starter twice check the push button start.

Last edited by NCC-1701; Mar 1, 2020 at 06:42 AM.
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Old Mar 2, 2020 | 09:24 AM
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Good idea sending an oil sample to Blackstone for analysis.
Hard starts when hot have been linked to failing connecting rods.
If it's the issue here, Titanium levels in oil will be high and a tell.

Really hoping it isn't CRs, especially after a rebuild.
G/L, please keep thread updated.
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Old Mar 2, 2020 | 11:03 AM
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There is a known problem with the anti-friction coating on the connecting rods. I believe it effects some 12 and 13 LS7s. Once the anti-friction coating fails, the rods abrade each other sending a bunch of Ti dust through the motor and wipes out the bearings. If this is what caused your bearing failure the first time, I would assume it would only happen again unless you replaced the connecting rods or had them recoated. Tale tell signs of this problem include slow starting when hot and low oil pressures.
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