Issues with the 71 big block

[Vintage Windmills]

So my truck won't crank when its hot. I suspect the starter solenoid? Does that make sense that its temperature dependent? It has a 402BBC with hooker headers. The lights dim a tad when the key is in start positioin but theres no click or anything.

Also, looks like a real pain to get at with the headers on there. Should I yank the engine since I'd like to redo the valve guides while I'm at it?

Jud

[too much stuff]

You can put a heat shield around the solenoid and get a bigger gauge pos. wire from the battery to starter. That helped on mine.

[Vintage Windmills]

Eric good ideas. Looks like i may have to remove the headers though to replace the positive cable.

[LockDoc]

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I put a mini starter on my 454 and cured my hot start problems. I guess the extra room around it made the difference.

LockDoc

[72 K20]

I had a 69 C10 and a 71 GMC tonner with big blocks and headers. On the 69 I fought the hot start problem and every other month burned up starters until I switched it over to a fender mounted solenoid. After that I never replaced another starter on that truck. When I put the big block in the tonner I switched it to the fender mounted solenoid and never had a problem with it.
Some people don't like the fender mounted ( ford style ) solenoids but it works, and seems to let the starters live longer.

[QKENUF4U]

Originally Posted by 72 K20

I had a 69 C10 and a 71 GMC tonner with big blocks and headers. On the 69 I fought the hot start problem and every other month burned up starters until I switched it over to a fender mounted solenoid. After that I never replaced another starter on that truck. When I put the big block in the tonner I switched it to the fender mounted solenoid and never had a problem with it.
Some people don't like the fender mounted ( ford style ) solenoids but it works, and seems to let the starters live longer.

[Vintage Windmills]

Thanks guys, good input, I've also heard the mini starters help and I like the idea of a remote solenoid. Would be easy to service on the fender. I could probably make a sheetmetal cover to help keep it looking clean too.

I'm still wondering though- should I pull the engine to do the heads and replace the starter? These headers wrap around it big time.

[Shyguy]

I have a 454 in my '71 with Hooker headers and have heat soak problems. We are taking the engine out of the '71 lwb and putting it in my '67 which is on '69 swb frame so we will be putting a mini starter on the 454 along with a remote solenoid.

I think a combination of the mini starter and the remote solenoid should fix the heat soak problems.

[taank]

Loosen header. Valve seals can be done in car
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[landsurvey1]

Switched to a mini starter and remote solenoid and havn't had a problem ever sense. And this is a bbc 454 w/headers in Phoenix, Az. where the temp will reach 114 today.

[Vintage Windmills]

Any brands of mini starters to watch out for? are they all good?

[landsurvey1]

IMO use a new starter and not a rebuilt one. I bought mine at NAPA.

[Shyguy]

The folks on the Chevelle discussion forum seem to like the mini starters sold by DB Electric.

I checked out their web-site and the prices seem real good.