Intermittent Starting Issues Help (again)

[Kazman1596]

Since I last posted about this problem, my 1987 Chevy V10 will rarely start on its own (once every month or two). I have added a remote starter button to press while I turn the key so the truck can start. This makes me think its the purple ignition wiring that it bypasses (I think). I plan on replacing that tomorrow now that I have time.

However, if I go anywhere out of town (say 40+ miles) the button wont even work. It will slowly crank the engine and eventually overheat the starter motor... learned that the hard way. After a couple hours of 'resting' the button will work again.

Anyway, with this information could anyone maybe be able to give me some insight to what else it could be and how to fix it?

Also to reiterate, since this problem began I have replaced the starter, battery, ignition switch, and the neutral safety switch.

Any help would be appreciated, I'm sick of guessing at this point!

Thanks!

[bilfman]

I'm guessing solenoid is getting too hot. Do you have a heat shield on it?

[Kazman1596]

Originally Posted by bilfman

I'm guessing solenoid is getting too hot. Do you have a heat shield on it?

No I don't. Is that a common problem?

[Mr.Chevy4x4]

It does sound like heat soak is part of the puzzle. It is a common problem, especially with headers. I'm sure the heat wave y'all are experiencing isn't helping any. A heat shield may help, or switching to a mini high-torque starter. But if you are experiencing starting issues when the truck is cold, that sounds like ignition switch or wiring issue. Sounds like a combination of electrical and heat soak after driving for a while.

Mike

[D13]

1. starter or solenoid.
2. Battery cables corroded / broken internally, will check fine with ohmmeter but unable to deliver current when needed.

Hot soak is always a problem, especially on big blocks (BTDT). heat shield and / or high torque starter would help, but don't overlook the cable, especially if more than 10 years old.

[cadillac_al]

You only start it once a month?

[CSHADES]

I would replace the battery cables first using good heavy quality cables. I would also run the ground cable to one of the starter bolts to make sure you are getting all of the power you can get to the starter. Make sure all of your grounds, frame to body, battery to frame and all others are intact and clean. Grounds are a major source of electrical failures and you can not tell they are bad just by looking at them.

[Kazman1596]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I'll start going through your solutions (particularly the heat soak issues, battery cables and grounds), and hopefully the problem fixes itself. Thanks again!