86 Olds 442 starting issues

[jrbarrie83]

I know this probably isn't the place for this, but I need help and don't know what else to try at this point. I have an 86 Olds 442 with the 307 V8, so it's very similar to our trucks. It runs like a champ and will start just fine when cold. However, even if it's been run for 15 minutes, it basically completely drains the battery trying to turn it over. This only happens when it's warm. As long as it's been sitting for maybe 4 hours or so, it will again start just fine. I assumed this was a heat-soak issue with the starter, so I bought heat shield fabric from Summit Racing and installed that today along with a sheath to cover the also-new battery cable. Just took it out for a drive. It cranked repeatedly until it started (then again when it stalled out twice when I put it in gear - only because it's cold and hasn't been run for a good while). However, like clockwork, when I returned from my short drive and attempted to start it again, it was unable to. I truly have no other ideas at this point, so any advice is greatly appreciated.

[gunrac]

I'm assuming automatic......something to check....A cracked flex plate could be the problem. Heat will make em' twist or warp, then after cooling, it can fall back into place.

[bd]

Are you saying it cranks over fine regardless of temperature, but won't fire when hot?  Check for spark the next time it happens.  It could be the distributor pickup coil (most likely) or ignition module.  Does it randomly stall and die while driving after it warms up?

[blazer74]

Next time hold the pedal to the floor and see if it will start after a few  seconds of cranking.

[jrbarrie83]

No, it won't even crank when it's hot. This is what makes me believe it's some sort of heat-soak issue. It sounds exactly like a car with a dead/dying battery - it will turn very slowly in spurts a few times (maybe) and then just click or do nothing. As soon as it cools off (and I recharge the battery, if needed) it will crank forever until it fires. Also, the alternator is fine - it's putting out 14 volts when the engine is running. And the battery and starter are both only a couple years old because I thought perhaps both of them were the issue in the past, however after replacing, the problem persists.

[bd]

So check voltage delivery to the starter battery cable stud and the S terminal of the solenoid while cranking.  Check the voltage drop across the battery ground cable and from the battery negative post directly to bare metal on the starter case while cranking.  It sounds like low voltage to the starter or a faulty starter.

[fitz]

I'll take a shot at this.
Is your timing set correctly?
If so, get the engine warmed up.
Shut it off and try to start it. If it cranks slowly, stop before you kill the battery.
Now let the car sit for a few hours to cool off.
If it starts right up, replace the starter.

[Flyinhillbilly]

I'd start with a new ground cable, also check the advance weights in the distributor to make sure they move easily. I've seen those hang up and cause some weird issues.

[Rattler12]

Your timing is WAY too far advanced......

[jrbarrie83]

Well, I'll be giggered ... it appears *knock on wood* that the issue with the car was the timing. I checked it previously and according to the car it was correct. I didn't know that the ring on the balancer could slip and therefore give a bad reading. I also just could not wrap my head around how exactly bad timing could cause what I was experiencing. After trying a couple other things, and doing more research, I decided to give it a try. Of course I should have done so anyhow, but that's the stubbornness in me. I adjusted it this morning, and started the car multiple times after it got hot. Lo and behold it worked just fine. I'm going to drive it to work today so it will get nice and hot and that should be the ultimate test. Thanks all for the input!