Hard to start - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

1969 k/10 · 12-31-2008, 01:08 AM

I have a 1969 K/10 with a 350. When the truck is could it starts right up with one hit. I'll let her warm up and go a few miles. After letting it sit for a few minutes and i try to start it, it struggles. It starts better when it's cold. Any ideas?

tim21391 · 12-31-2008, 01:10 AM

i had a problem like this on my dads 67 mustang.. the electric choke was sticking shut

tim21391 · 12-31-2008, 01:10 AM

havent fixed the problem yet..i just zip tied the choke open so whenever i wanna drive it i just gotta hold the gas til shes warm..haha

1969 k/10 · 12-31-2008, 01:11 AM

it has a manual choke

tim21391 · 12-31-2008, 01:13 AM

oh.. im not sure.. im just a 17 year old kid.. i dont know very much about engines unless the problem has happened to me

tim21391 · 12-31-2008, 01:13 AM

sorry i couldnt help

1969 k/10 · 12-31-2008, 01:16 AM

It's ok i'm the idiot that said fowled plugs haha

hensonjd · 12-31-2008, 01:26 AM

do you think that your starter couldbe gettinghot while it is running.

1969 k/10 · 12-31-2008, 01:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hensonjd

do you think that your starter couldbe gettinghot while it is running.

Thats ironic that you say that because my starter have out yesterday in a Safeway parking lot. It now has a brand new one in it and still does it; but maybe.

tim21391 · 12-31-2008, 01:27 AM

whats wrong with saying that?

1969 k/10 · 12-31-2008, 01:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tim21391

whats wrong with saying that?

Fowl is like chickens. Fouled is what plugs are.

Wootdog · 12-31-2008, 07:48 AM

If you run headers on the truck, they go right near the starter solenoid. When it is cold it will start right up. Once the engine gets warm, the starter solenoid would be getting cooked for lack of a better word. You can go to the local auto parts store and for around five bucks buy a cover for the solenoid. Look in the Help section. If they don't have it they can order it for you. There should be a catalog there with the part number. You put the cover over the solenoid and it will deflect the heat. I have had this problem with all my cars and trucks that have headers and a Chevy V8.
Kerry

1969 k/10 · 12-31-2008, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wootdog

If you run headers on the truck, they go right near the starter solenoid. When it is cold it will start right up. Once the engine gets warm, the starter solenoid would be getting cooked for lack of a better word. You can go to the local auto parts store and for around five bucks buy a cover for the solenoid. Look in the Help section. If they don't have it they can order it for you. There should be a catalog there with the part number. You put the cover over the solenoid and it will deflect the heat. I have had this problem with all my cars and trucks that have headers and a Chevy V8.
Kerry

I do run headers on the truck. Even with the gear reduction starter could this still happen?

Sinister · 12-31-2008, 11:57 AM

If it's the starter solenoid getting too hot, I've had good luck with wiring in a remote Ford style solenoid.

1970 chev truck · 12-31-2008, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sinister

If it's the starter solenoid getting too hot, I've had good luck with wiring in a remote Ford style solenoid.

i did this on my truck, its a lot easier, and if you ever have to remove the starter all you have to do is unbolt one wire from the solenoid and drop the starter rather than messing with all those little wires

**leddzepp** · 12-31-2008, 12:11 PM

If you got the $$$, a high-torque mini starter is the way to go.

1. weighs 8 lbs vs. 30 lbs.
2. header clearance
3. no heat related issues
4. sounds sweeet when it cranks!

1969 k/10 · 12-31-2008, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leddzepp

If you got the $$$, a high-torque mini starter is the way to go.

1. weighs 8 lbs vs. 30 lbs.
2. header clearance
3. no heat related issues
4. sounds sweeet when it cranks!

Thats the one i already have, the gear reduction one. For some reason the standard Chevy one wouldn't fit.

kcjones · 12-31-2008, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1969 k/10

I have a 1969 K/10 with a 350. When the truck is could it starts right up with one hit. I'll let her warm up and go a few miles. After letting it sit for a few minutes and i try to start it, it struggles. It starts better when it's cold. Any ideas?

You say it starts better cold....meaning it cranks better cold? Just so we're tracking the right problem here - you do mean there's an issue with cranking, right? Otherwise, if cranking is good but it won't light when it's warm, different set of possible problems.

**WorkinLonghorn** · 12-31-2008, 03:32 PM

If it is a cranking problem, then on my '69 350 It means my timing is a tad too far advanced. If I retard it a couple degrees it cranks and starts real easy when hot.

cdowns · 12-31-2008, 04:56 PM

easiest and cheapest first step would be to pull clean and gap the sparkplugs

ChevLoRay · 12-31-2008, 05:17 PM

...and if cleaning/gapping the plugs doesn't fix it, and since you said it has headers, then I'm gonna say (to reiterate someone else) that you will do a lot better if you install the heat shield on the solenoid. Granted, you could just install a Ford solenoid, but it would be easier to put the shield on the sol. When I changed carburetors on my engine, the new one (an Edelbrock Q-Jet) was so much leaner than the old AFB-type Edelbrock,that my truck was hard to start when it was warmed up. Installing the shield did the trick. It has NEVER failed to start since then. They're cheap and your labor is free. Just do it.

texanidiot25 · 12-31-2008, 09:37 PM

I put head shields on teh starter and solenoid on my truck. The Heddman headers were just too close. Just cut them out of aluminum sheets, bent tabs over on each side, and used hose clamps to attach it to the starter and solenoid. No problems yet besides a carb running stupid rich sometimes.

1969 k/10 · 01-01-2009, 04:56 AM

Thank you for the input. It cranks fine, it just has a hard time starting.

tractor1963 · 01-01-2009, 09:10 AM

Check your timing,it could be advanced too far.

1969 k/10 · 01-01-2009, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tractor1963

Check your timing,it could be advanced too far.

It's at 8 degrees.

12-31-2008, 01:08 AM	#1
1969 k/10 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Santa Rosa, California Posts: 102	Hard to start I have a 1969 K/10 with a 350. When the truck is could it starts right up with one hit. I'll let her warm up and go a few miles. After letting it sit for a few minutes and i try to start it, it struggles. It starts better when it's cold. Any ideas? __________________ 1969 red k/10 with sb350 4.11 gear ratio, front disk, 3 speed automatic

12-31-2008, 01:10 AM	#2
tim21391 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Salina, Kansas Posts: 1,998	Re: Hard to start i had a problem like this on my dads 67 mustang.. the electric choke was sticking shut __________________ 1972 C-10...402/400..flowmaster 40 series 1967 Mustang 347 stroker/C-4 1966 Mustang 289/3-speed 2013 Mustang V6/6speed w/300 ponies I may be 23, but i sure do knows 67-72s are sexy! Its not MPG its smiles per gallon! build started 11/25/08 build thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php?p=2993796

12-31-2008, 01:10 AM	#3
tim21391 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Salina, Kansas Posts: 1,998	Re: Hard to start havent fixed the problem yet..i just zip tied the choke open so whenever i wanna drive it i just gotta hold the gas til shes warm..haha __________________ 1972 C-10...402/400..flowmaster 40 series 1967 Mustang 347 stroker/C-4 1966 Mustang 289/3-speed 2013 Mustang V6/6speed w/300 ponies I may be 23, but i sure do knows 67-72s are sexy! Its not MPG its smiles per gallon! build started 11/25/08 build thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php?p=2993796

12-31-2008, 01:11 AM	#4
1969 k/10 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Santa Rosa, California Posts: 102	Re: Hard to start it has a manual choke __________________ 1969 red k/10 with sb350 4.11 gear ratio, front disk, 3 speed automatic

12-31-2008, 01:13 AM	#5
tim21391 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Salina, Kansas Posts: 1,998	Re: Hard to start oh.. im not sure.. im just a 17 year old kid.. i dont know very much about engines unless the problem has happened to me __________________ 1972 C-10...402/400..flowmaster 40 series 1967 Mustang 347 stroker/C-4 1966 Mustang 289/3-speed 2013 Mustang V6/6speed w/300 ponies I may be 23, but i sure do knows 67-72s are sexy! Its not MPG its smiles per gallon! build started 11/25/08 build thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php?p=2993796

12-31-2008, 01:13 AM	#6
tim21391 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Salina, Kansas Posts: 1,998	Re: Hard to start sorry i couldnt help __________________ 1972 C-10...402/400..flowmaster 40 series 1967 Mustang 347 stroker/C-4 1966 Mustang 289/3-speed 2013 Mustang V6/6speed w/300 ponies I may be 23, but i sure do knows 67-72s are sexy! Its not MPG its smiles per gallon! build started 11/25/08 build thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php?p=2993796

12-31-2008, 01:16 AM	#7
1969 k/10 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Santa Rosa, California Posts: 102	Re: Hard to start It's ok i'm the idiot that said fowled plugs haha __________________ 1969 red k/10 with sb350 4.11 gear ratio, front disk, 3 speed automatic

12-31-2008, 01:26 AM	#8
hensonjd Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Buffalo, Tx Posts: 422	Re: Hard to start do you think that your starter couldbe gettinghot while it is running.

12-31-2008, 01:27 AM	#10
tim21391 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Salina, Kansas Posts: 1,998	Re: Hard to start whats wrong with saying that? __________________ 1972 C-10...402/400..flowmaster 40 series 1967 Mustang 347 stroker/C-4 1966 Mustang 289/3-speed 2013 Mustang V6/6speed w/300 ponies I may be 23, but i sure do knows 67-72s are sexy! Its not MPG its smiles per gallon! build started 11/25/08 build thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php?p=2993796

12-31-2008, 07:48 AM	#12
Wootdog Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Virginia Beach, Va, USA Posts: 1,676	Re: Hard to start If you run headers on the truck, they go right near the starter solenoid. When it is cold it will start right up. Once the engine gets warm, the starter solenoid would be getting cooked for lack of a better word. You can go to the local auto parts store and for around five bucks buy a cover for the solenoid. Look in the Help section. If they don't have it they can order it for you. There should be a catalog there with the part number. You put the cover over the solenoid and it will deflect the heat. I have had this problem with all my cars and trucks that have headers and a Chevy V8. Kerry __________________ 1969 Chevelle 1990 IROC Z Convertible 2002 Silverado LT

12-31-2008, 11:57 AM	#14
Sinister Between Trucks... Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Los Angeles, CA. Posts: 3,830	Re: Hard to start If it's the starter solenoid getting too hot, I've had good luck with wiring in a remote Ford style solenoid. __________________ Beat it to fit, Paint it to match...

12-31-2008, 12:11 PM	#16
leddzepp Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern Cal Posts: 19,997	Re: Hard to start If you got the $$$, a high-torque mini starter is the way to go. 1. weighs 8 lbs vs. 30 lbs. 2. header clearance 3. no heat related issues 4. sounds sweeet when it cranks!

12-31-2008, 03:32 PM	#19
WorkinLonghorn Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Studio City, Calif. Posts: 2,861	Re: Hard to start If it is a cranking problem, then on my '69 350 It means my timing is a tad too far advanced. If I retard it a couple degrees it cranks and starts real easy when hot. __________________ '69 GMC C2500 Custom Camper, 8 1/2' bed, New GM 350, NP 435 Close Ratio 4spd. Trans., 3.73 Dana-60 open.Camper and Trailer wiring, PS, PB, AC, tach , three gas tanks, 2nd owner, Work-Truck supreme. Best $300 I ever spent.

12-31-2008, 04:56 PM	#20
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: Hard to start easiest and cheapest first step would be to pull clean and gap the sparkplugs __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

12-31-2008, 05:17 PM	#21
ChevLoRay Old Skool Club Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Benton, AR "The Heart of Arkansas" Posts: 10,880	Re: Hard to start ...and if cleaning/gapping the plugs doesn't fix it, and since you said it has headers, then I'm gonna say (to reiterate someone else) that you will do a lot better if you install the heat shield on the solenoid. Granted, you could just install a Ford solenoid, but it would be easier to put the shield on the sol. When I changed carburetors on my engine, the new one (an Edelbrock Q-Jet) was so much leaner than the old AFB-type Edelbrock,that my truck was hard to start when it was warmed up. Installing the shield did the trick. It has NEVER failed to start since then. They're cheap and your labor is free. Just do it. __________________ Member Nr. 2770 '96 GMC Sportside; 4.3/SLT - Daily driven....constantly needs washed. '69 C-10 SWB; 350/TH400 - in limbo The older I get, the better I was.



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12-31-2008, 09:37 PM	#22
texanidiot25 Eat My Rust Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Cypress, Texas Posts: 3,362	Re: Hard to start I put head shields on teh starter and solenoid on my truck. The Heddman headers were just too close. Just cut them out of aluminum sheets, bent tabs over on each side, and used hose clamps to attach it to the starter and solenoid. No problems yet besides a carb running stupid rich sometimes.

01-01-2009, 04:56 AM	#23
1969 k/10 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Santa Rosa, California Posts: 102	Re: Hard to start Thank you for the input. It cranks fine, it just has a hard time starting. __________________ 1969 red k/10 with sb350 4.11 gear ratio, front disk, 3 speed automatic

01-01-2009, 09:10 AM	#24
tractor1963 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Lenoir,NC Posts: 159	Re: Hard to start Check your timing,it could be advanced too far.

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