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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Engine/Drivetrain => Topic started by: flaminchiten on May 07, 2010, 04:31:09 pm

Title: Hard start when hot
Post by: flaminchiten on May 07, 2010, 04:31:09 pm
Hi all,

Got a problem with my 75 with a 454. The truck is 95% stock, the only thing done to the motor is long tube headers and true dual exhaust. When I drive my truck and stop somewhere I need to let it sit for anywhere from 30 minutes too 2 hours before it will start again. If I try and start it right away it will turn over really slowly then stop. Letting it sit for awhile it will start right up with no problems. I am thinking the starter solenoid is getting too hot and requiring a little while too cool off.

Are my only options a heat shield or an aftermarket starter? Would a new battery with more cranking amps help this at all?

Thank you in advance
Title: Re: Hard start when hot
Post by: bgctrading on May 07, 2010, 04:37:10 pm
As I was reading your post a hot starter is what I was thinking. I believe you already know the solution to your problem.(Or get rid of the headers)
Title: Re: Hard start when hot
Post by: Lt.Del on May 07, 2010, 04:55:31 pm
a new battery will just mask the problem for a while, and still may have the same problem. a new solenoid will do you better, but, still, you will still have a hot solenoid if that is the problem.

(http://www.southernrods.com/categories/electrical-and-ignition/starter-heat-shields/products/images/74299.gif)
http://www.southernrods.com/categories/electrical-and-ignition/starter-heat-shields/products/product-721.html (http://www.southernrods.com/categories/electrical-and-ignition/starter-heat-shields/products/product-721.html)
Title: Re: Hard start when hot
Post by: zieg85 on May 07, 2010, 05:13:04 pm
Before all that have your battery load checked.  I thought I had that same problem but turned out my battery was not up to snuff.  My $.02
Title: Re: Hard start when hot
Post by: SUX2BU99 on May 07, 2010, 05:32:16 pm
Yep the starter heat soaks. Especially bad when thin-wall tube headers are installed as they radiate a lot more heat underhood than thicker, better-insulating cast iron manifolds. A heat shield would be wise, or perhaps insulating header wrap although I have that and I still get heat soak. And it looks bad after a while, and it retains any moisture if it gets wet and helps promote rusting of the tubes although the heat of the headers helps burn off the moisture.
Title: Re: Hard start when hot
Post by: choptop on May 07, 2010, 10:22:30 pm
Ive got ceramic coated headers on Oldyellers truck and have never had an issue. In my experience, 454s are notorious for burning up starters, especially with headers. My motor home has a bad starter on it now due to the high heat. Definitely get a heat shield
Title: Re: Hard start when hot
Post by: slammed79 on May 08, 2010, 08:14:32 pm
Maybe do the blue oval solenoid swap with the heatsheild. A couple hours work to save a ton of headaches
Title: Re: Hard start when hot
Post by: TexasRed on May 09, 2010, 05:35:54 pm
This be what slammed is referring to: http://www.maliburacing.com/starter_solenoid.html