Hot Start Problem, Possible easy solution

[Jeepster376]

I thought this might be of interest to anyone who has had hot starter relay troubles.

Last year I experienced the dreaded no start when hot predicament (needless to say at the worst possible times) several times over a short span of time. I threw two new starters, (one stock, one high perf Summit) in it, and I made a solenoid heat shield, but the problem persisted. I decided to install a remote solenoid setup, so I mounted a solenoid and wired it from the battery to the starter, but I did not wire it to my ignition. At the same time I also replaced the positive 10 gauge wire that goes from the battery over to the horn block, because it was in poor condition. Feeling safer having the remote relay as an emergency backup, I put off finishing it into my ignition for another day.

Well guess what? Over a year later, I have not had any hot starting problems. Until today that is. After driving for an hour in heavy city traffic and 93 degree weather this afternoon, I go back to my truck and turn the key, and nothing. So I popped the hood and jumped my remote relay and it fires right up.

So the moral of my story is, if you've ever had a hot start problem, check the condition of the 10 ga. wire that goes from your right fender binding post, near the battery, and across the radiator to the horn on the other side. This wire is the lifeline to the electrical system when the engine is not running and is key for reliable starting. Do not think more is better and upgrade this wire to something larger than 10 gauge, because when the engine is running this wire carries the charging current back to the battery and is designed for a specific voltage drop. Upgrading it will cause your battery to overcharge.

If that doesn't help, then the remote relay will. I'm a believer now.