Trouble when she's hot

[Cruz.cab]

Start up on my truck (83-350) in the morning when "cold" is perfect,but after let's say I drive to the gas station and I try and start it up it acts as if the battery is dead or can't turn it over its a new battery so any suggestion or starting points ??

[zieg85]

Do you have headers?  If you do it may be overheating the starter

[bd]

How far is the gas station?  Do you have any exhaust leaks?  (These two questions are related to Zieg's).

What size battery cables are you using?  Are they solid copper or copper-clad aluminum?

1) Make sure the cable connections to the battery are clean and tight and that there's no hidden corrosion between the cables and battery terminal ends.  2) Make sure the battery cable connections to the starter solenoid and engine block are clean and tight - including the small wire connections to the starter solenoid.  3) Make sure the starter mounting bolts are tight.  4) Measure and record voltage drops across both battery cables while cranking.  5) Load test the battery.  6) Measure the starter current draw.  Performing this series of tests will more than likely pinpoint the problem.

[Cruz.cab]

Long tube headers small exhaust leak but honestly I'm just gonna replace the starter bc it's 39.99 at orieyl's and ill make sure all my connections are good while I'm down there do u think I should get the heat shield for the starter ??

[bd]

A starter heat shield is always a good idea.  If exhaust leaks onto the starter, repairing the leak should be a priority.

[frotosride]

+1 on checking all your connections as well as changing your starter. most likely as with most chevys the starter itself isn't the actual issue but more so the starter's soleniod. Gm has always placed the started solenoid on the starter and over heating is a problem with most older models. If you want to ensure this never happens again you can get a remote solenoid and set it away from heat sources like some other major auto companies. But even still a new one will last you for a long time unless you have exhaust leaking from the manifold on to the starter. Also when you replace it make sure your heat shield is in place or you can get a starter specific heat rap made by DEI they sell them at a lot autoparts stores most of the time on the shelf.