Starter Heat Shield - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

MandarinSixSeven · 06-20-2004, 02:56 PM

With the hot weather and all my driving around lately, my starter has been crapping out. I'm pretty sure its just overheating, since when I go to start it, there is just nothing, no clicks no armature action...nothing. still lots of power in the battery, usually just have to wait a few minutes and it fires up.

So, my question is, how do you install the shields? where do they bolt on?
I just have corvette style ramhorns, but aparently they still get pretty hot. Any help/suggestions would be nice

Thanks,
-Benson

**smitty62** · 06-20-2004, 04:25 PM

If you haven't already, I'd look at the grounds before I blamed the starter. I've driven SBC's since 1956 and I've never had a starter fail because of heat soak. Not saying it doesn't happen, just that it's a lot rarer than most think. The real problem is usually covered over when the starter's replaced, ie: accompanied by new cables, battery, alternator, etc.

c10chevy69 · 06-20-2004, 06:48 PM

I would check the ground cable first. I had this problem last weekend. Battery showed 12.6 but no voltage to anything at all. At first I thought it was the voltage regulator, but I cut the chewed up cable end and reattached it. No problems since fires up everytime.

MandarinSixSeven · 06-20-2004, 08:02 PM

which ground are we talkin here?
the one on the battery?

c10chevy69 · 06-20-2004, 08:08 PM

Sorry. Yes the negative battery cable. If it's not getting good contact then you've got nothing.

sneakysnake · 06-20-2004, 08:26 PM

You should at least here the solenoid clicking, like the others said check your wiring, may have a bad solenoid but the prices these days its easier to change the whole thing.

**smitty62** · 06-20-2004, 09:38 PM

Check the grounds on BOTH ends! One is no more important than the other.!!!!

MandarinSixSeven · 06-20-2004, 08:24 PM

ok cool, I just replaced the battery terminal on the negative side, see how that works

MandarinSixSeven · 06-20-2004, 09:59 PM

Ya, I plan to for sure.
I just don't feel like crawling under there tonight

1/2 is better than nothing for now

And, Sneaky Snake, I've had solenoid go bad before...this one isn't like that, my old one you could hear it click, this one is just no response from the starter

*Cruiser71* · 06-20-2004, 10:02 PM

If the cable dosnt do the trick, try Ecklers or Mid America Corvette for a started heat shield.

thisolechevy · 06-20-2004, 10:06 PM

I bought mine from napa, it was only $32.00 and it did the trick! it was really easy to install also. Your starter will have 2 bolts on the butt side facing the front of the truck, you simply undo one of them and bolt on the heat shield with that bolt, and one on the selinoid (sp.???)

MandarinSixSeven · 06-20-2004, 10:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thisolechevy

I bought mine from napa, it was only $32.00 and it did the trick! it was really easy to install also. Your starter will have 2 bolts on the butt side facing the front of the truck, you simply undo one of them and bolt on the heat shield with that bolt, and one on the selinoid (sp.???)

Awesome man, thanks! Thats what I wanted to hear for if the grounds don't fix it.

gabet40 · 06-21-2004, 12:02 AM

i bought mine at kragen, a spectre one. however i kept having that problem so it sounds like i shouldve been checkin my negative cable (or my headers were just that hot). the reason i never thought of it is cuz the started only did that when the engine was hot and never in the winter. coincidence? who knows

walker · 06-21-2004, 12:32 AM

I live in the desert where it gets hot, nothin' personal but I don't think you BCers know what hot is, and I have never had trouble with starter heat soak. Most times it is poor connections, poor cables, poor quality replacement parts, etc that is the problem.
Now when it gets cold here, and I mean REALLY COLD!!! like forty degrees, maybe you all could help me with a block heater, and snow tires.

*Cruiser71* · 06-21-2004, 01:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by walker

Now when it gets cold here, and I mean REALLY COLD!!! like forty degrees, maybe you all could help me with a block heater, and snow tires.

cold=40 degrees?????

MandarinSixSeven · 06-21-2004, 01:19 AM

so, what is starter heat soak?
liike you turn the key and not a sound or what?

lewi · 06-21-2004, 12:55 PM

Right, wrong, or indifferent I put one on mine and haven't had any troubles since. I think I know what hot is, over 100 degrees most summers every day for 6 weeks, 110 and above is not uncommon. I agree 40 degrees is quite cold!

busterwivell · 06-21-2004, 02:55 PM

40 is inhumane! I like it when it's about 100. I've got a 402 BB in my truck. I was going through a starter every 6 months (hot or cold) for 4 years. I switched to a mini starter 3 years ago (this August) and I haven't had a problem since.

jorgensensc · 06-21-2004, 10:05 PM

I put a ford remote starter solenoid on mine and it worked perfect. i will try and find you a part number and websight. It gets rid of the problem of heat soak all together.
Shawn

MandarinSixSeven · 06-21-2004, 10:46 PM

It was 100 degrees (american) today...but I didn't get to test it

But as far as the weather goes I will probably get plenty of time to test it

Quagmire · 06-21-2004, 10:59 PM

food for thought, i had a similar problem and it turned out to be my ignition switch. it was intermittent though, so the problem wasn't too easy to find. i actually stumbled upon it on accident

just in case you seeking alternate troubleshooting methods

*Cruiser71* · 06-22-2004, 02:00 AM

Try replacing the purple wire from the switch to the starter. It happened to me. Kragan (Shucks) starters need to be installed with velcro. They only last a few weeks. I would go with a good Napa or A/C Delco rebuilt. Worth the extra money. The others seem to be a spray can rebuild!

67chevemall · 06-22-2004, 09:34 AM

Nice mini high torquer will fix that problem!
They are bullet proof!

**raggedjim** · 06-22-2004, 03:02 PM

When I had this problem the bushings in the starter were bad. When it was cool it would start but when everything got hot the bushings expanded enough for the armature to touch the stator and it would lock up. I didn't figure this out until I had put on the ford solenoid (which ain't a bad idea, it makes it so the only time the positive cable to the starter is hot is when the ignition is at start.)

Good luck, Rg

walker · 06-22-2004, 08:14 PM

Cruiser71 the 40* temp was a joke. I see every one else seems to have taken it as intended.

If the heat shield fixes your problem then go for it, I was just saying to check everything else first. Electrical gremlins are no fun, and are seldom what they seem to be at first, just look at the myriad answers you got to your post.
Good Luck, Andy.

06-20-2004, 02:56 PM	#1
MandarinSixSeven Seasonal Poster Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Kelowna BC Canada Posts: 896	Starter Heat Shield With the hot weather and all my driving around lately, my starter has been crapping out. I'm pretty sure its just overheating, since when I go to start it, there is just nothing, no clicks no armature action...nothing. still lots of power in the battery, usually just have to wait a few minutes and it fires up. So, my question is, how do you install the shields? where do they bolt on? I just have corvette style ramhorns, but aparently they still get pretty hot. Any help/suggestions would be nice Thanks, -Benson __________________ 67 GMC Short Step 350/4-Speed/3.08 Posi Front/Rear Sway Bars Kelowna BC, Canada Member of DTPW

06-20-2004, 04:25 PM	#2
smitty62 Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,234	If you haven't already, I'd look at the grounds before I blamed the starter. I've driven SBC's since 1956 and I've never had a starter fail because of heat soak. Not saying it doesn't happen, just that it's a lot rarer than most think. The real problem is usually covered over when the starter's replaced, ie: accompanied by new cables, battery, alternator, etc. __________________ Stepsides look like real trucks! Smitty

06-20-2004, 06:48 PM	#3
c10chevy69 Registered User Join Date: May 2004 Location: Oklahoma City Posts: 205	I would check the ground cable first. I had this problem last weekend. Battery showed 12.6 but no voltage to anything at all. At first I thought it was the voltage regulator, but I cut the chewed up cable end and reattached it. No problems since fires up everytime. __________________ 1969 chevy C10 long bed 350 4bbl auto p/disc and 5 lug

06-20-2004, 08:02 PM	#4
MandarinSixSeven Seasonal Poster Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Kelowna BC Canada Posts: 896	which ground are we talkin here? the one on the battery? __________________ 67 GMC Short Step 350/4-Speed/3.08 Posi Front/Rear Sway Bars Kelowna BC, Canada Member of DTPW

06-20-2004, 08:08 PM	#5
c10chevy69 Registered User Join Date: May 2004 Location: Oklahoma City Posts: 205	Sorry. Yes the negative battery cable. If it's not getting good contact then you've got nothing. __________________ 1969 chevy C10 long bed 350 4bbl auto p/disc and 5 lug

06-20-2004, 08:26 PM	#6
sneakysnake It's a catastrophic success. Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 2,077	You should at least here the solenoid clicking, like the others said check your wiring, may have a bad solenoid but the prices these days its easier to change the whole thing.

06-20-2004, 09:38 PM	#7
smitty62 Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,234	Check the grounds on BOTH ends! One is no more important than the other.!!!! __________________ Stepsides look like real trucks! Smitty

06-20-2004, 08:24 PM	#8
MandarinSixSeven Seasonal Poster Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Kelowna BC Canada Posts: 896	ok cool, I just replaced the battery terminal on the negative side, see how that works __________________ 67 GMC Short Step 350/4-Speed/3.08 Posi Front/Rear Sway Bars Kelowna BC, Canada Member of DTPW

06-20-2004, 09:59 PM	#9
MandarinSixSeven Seasonal Poster Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Kelowna BC Canada Posts: 896	Ya, I plan to for sure. I just don't feel like crawling under there tonight 1/2 is better than nothing for now And, Sneaky Snake, I've had solenoid go bad before...this one isn't like that, my old one you could hear it click, this one is just no response from the starter __________________ 67 GMC Short Step 350/4-Speed/3.08 Posi Front/Rear Sway Bars Kelowna BC, Canada Member of DTPW

06-20-2004, 10:02 PM	#10
Cruiser71 AKA Phillip Johnson, AKA BANNED Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Northern Calif. Posts: 193	If the cable dosnt do the trick, try Ecklers or Mid America Corvette for a started heat shield.

06-20-2004, 10:06 PM	#11
thisolechevy Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Gainesville, Fl Posts: 382	I bought mine from napa, it was only $32.00 and it did the trick! it was really easy to install also. Your starter will have 2 bolts on the butt side facing the front of the truck, you simply undo one of them and bolt on the heat shield with that bolt, and one on the selinoid (sp.???) __________________ Man I need another 67-72!!!

06-21-2004, 12:02 AM	#13
gabet40 Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Modesto, CA Posts: 565	i bought mine at kragen, a spectre one. however i kept having that problem so it sounds like i shouldve been checkin my negative cable (or my headers were just that hot). the reason i never thought of it is cuz the started only did that when the engine was hot and never in the winter. coincidence? who knows __________________ Current owner of 2016 2500 Silverado Midnight Edition. Former owner of: 69 1/2 ton, change from long/fleet to short/fleet, shaved door handles, shaved tailgate, 4/6 drop, power windows, 700r4 72 blazer, 350 with Holley Commander 950 DFI, crane energizer cam, 350 tranny, dual sanderson blockhuggers/magnaflow exhaust

06-21-2004, 12:32 AM	#14
walker Registered User Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: north of Phx AZ about 30 miles Posts: 698	I live in the desert where it gets hot, nothin' personal but I don't think you BCers know what hot is, and I have never had trouble with starter heat soak. Most times it is poor connections, poor cables, poor quality replacement parts, etc that is the problem. Now when it gets cold here, and I mean REALLY COLD!!! like forty degrees, maybe you all could help me with a block heater, and snow tires. __________________ Andy,Phx AZ '67 C-10 (Ahhh, done at last. Well there is that disk front end I want to put in and...) "23 C-Cab-sold '48 Ford 8N tractor(still working) '67 Scout(Now on the road) '70 MG B.-sold

06-21-2004, 01:19 AM	#16
MandarinSixSeven Seasonal Poster Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Kelowna BC Canada Posts: 896	so, what is starter heat soak? liike you turn the key and not a sound or what? __________________ 67 GMC Short Step 350/4-Speed/3.08 Posi Front/Rear Sway Bars Kelowna BC, Canada Member of DTPW

06-21-2004, 12:55 PM	#17
lewi Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Redding California Posts: 223	Right, wrong, or indifferent I put one on mine and haven't had any troubles since. I think I know what hot is, over 100 degrees most summers every day for 6 weeks, 110 and above is not uncommon. I agree 40 degrees is quite cold! __________________ 1971 Chevy Cheyenne 383/350 LWB 2wd Built to use, and look good.



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06-21-2004, 02:55 PM	#18
busterwivell Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Sahuarita, AZ USA Posts: 2,033	40 is inhumane! I like it when it's about 100. I've got a 402 BB in my truck. I was going through a starter every 6 months (hot or cold) for 4 years. I switched to a mini starter 3 years ago (this August) and I haven't had a problem since. __________________ Bill - Tucson, AZ 47 Chevrolet 2 dr sedan 56 Chevrolet 210 2 dr sedan 66 Chevrolet Malibu 2 dr 4 speed 71 Chevrolet C30 Longhorn 86 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS (Sold) 01 Chevrolet Tahoe IM - BUSTERWIVE@aol.com

06-21-2004, 10:05 PM	#19
jorgensensc Registered User Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Cypress, Tx Posts: 4,005	I put a ford remote starter solenoid on mine and it worked perfect. i will try and find you a part number and websight. It gets rid of the problem of heat soak all together. Shawn __________________ 1972 C20 Suburban- Big Blue Betty '56 Chevy Bel Air Sedan- Frame up Restoration -What would you attempt to achieve if you knew you could not fail?- -I Refuse To Tiptoe Through Life, Only To Arrive Safely At Death's Door- R.I.P. EAST SIDE LOW LIFE

06-21-2004, 10:46 PM	#20
MandarinSixSeven Seasonal Poster Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Kelowna BC Canada Posts: 896	It was 100 degrees (american) today...but I didn't get to test it But as far as the weather goes I will probably get plenty of time to test it __________________ 67 GMC Short Step 350/4-Speed/3.08 Posi Front/Rear Sway Bars Kelowna BC, Canada Member of DTPW

06-21-2004, 10:59 PM	#21
Quagmire A splendid one to behold Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: moore, ok Posts: 251	food for thought, i had a similar problem and it turned out to be my ignition switch. it was intermittent though, so the problem wasn't too easy to find. i actually stumbled upon it on accident just in case you seeking alternate troubleshooting methods __________________ 67 swb 02 wrx

06-22-2004, 02:00 AM	#22
Cruiser71 AKA Phillip Johnson, AKA BANNED Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Northern Calif. Posts: 193	Try replacing the purple wire from the switch to the starter. It happened to me. Kragan (Shucks) starters need to be installed with velcro. They only last a few weeks. I would go with a good Napa or A/C Delco rebuilt. Worth the extra money. The others seem to be a spray can rebuild!

06-22-2004, 09:34 AM	#23
67chevemall Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: NB Posts: 3,367	Nice mini high torquer will fix that problem! They are bullet proof! __________________ 1968 Chevy C10 307 3ott fleetside 1967 Chevy C/10 V8, 3spd, fleetside lwb.Sold 1967 Chev C/10 step, 383, M21. SOLD

06-22-2004, 03:02 PM	#24
raggedjim Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Murray, Kentucky Posts: 3,477	When I had this problem the bushings in the starter were bad. When it was cool it would start but when everything got hot the bushings expanded enough for the armature to touch the stator and it would lock up. I didn't figure this out until I had put on the ford solenoid (which ain't a bad idea, it makes it so the only time the positive cable to the starter is hot is when the ignition is at start.) Good luck, Rg __________________ Roger '68 Short step - https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=849675 '69 ('70?) 2wd Blazer '70 GMC Jimmy 2wd '73 Firebird - https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=853203

06-22-2004, 08:14 PM	#25
walker Registered User Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: north of Phx AZ about 30 miles Posts: 698	Cruiser71 the 40* temp was a joke. I see every one else seems to have taken it as intended. If the heat shield fixes your problem then go for it, I was just saying to check everything else first. Electrical gremlins are no fun, and are seldom what they seem to be at first, just look at the myriad answers you got to your post. Good Luck, Andy. __________________ Andy,Phx AZ '67 C-10 (Ahhh, done at last. Well there is that disk front end I want to put in and...) "23 C-Cab-sold '48 Ford 8N tractor(still working) '67 Scout(Now on the road) '70 MG B.-sold

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