Really Annoyed

[71GMC71]

With my truck lately.


Its not even that hot in Southern California lately, but seems like my truck wont start at all when its somewhat hot outside.

For instance today, went to RCC (community college) looking at classes and when I'm about to leave my truck wont start. I turn the key but nothing happens. No clicks or anything just a the brake light comes on in the truck.

Anybody know how I can fix this problem?

[Sinister]

Are you running headers?

[71GMC71]

Originally Posted by Sinister

Are you running headers?

Nope. Completely stock small block 350. Running stock manifold from when I got it.

[cdowns]

take off battery cables and clean up all 4ends and where they attach to then try it

just looking at them unless you have xray vision doesnt help

[71GMC71]

Originally Posted by cdowns

take off battery cables and clean up all 4ends and where they attach to then try it

just looking at them unless you have xray vision doesnt help

What should I clean them with?

[Stocker]

Baking soda & water works, then rinse with water. Small wire brush (or sandpaper) will help clean off any remaining crud or corrosion, and it wouldn't hurt to smear on a little dielectric grease to help protect against future corrosion.

[JRBECK64]

You might want to take a look at your starter. I had a stock GM starter on my Sons 64 and it was doing exactly the same thing. I would hit my starter with a hammer and then it would start. Just a thought.

JRBECK64

[bigguy69]

is it an automatic on the column? mine done that and the neutral saftey switch was givin me a fit. you could wiggle the shifter and push up on it and it would start.

[71GMC71]

Originally Posted by bigguy69

is it an automatic on the column? mine done that and the neutral saftey switch was givin me a fit. you could wiggle the shifter and push up on it and it would start.

Automatic. And the above post. My dad was telling me something about the starter. Maybe it just gets to hot? Because today when it didn't start I just opened my hood to let it cool off and it started but i had to give it a **** load of gas. Didn't sound good at all.

[Shyguy]

I had the same problems with my '67 with a 250 L-6 and I finally got it fixed after I replaced the positive and negative cables and replaced the solenoid.

[71GMC71]

Originally Posted by Shyguy

I had the same problems with my '67 with a 250 L-6 and I finally got it fixed after I replaced the positive and negative cables and replaced the solenoid.

Where is the solenoid located?

[gkesseru]

Solenoid is bolted to the outside of the starter.

[71GMC71]

Originally Posted by gkesseru

Solenoid is bolted to the outside of the starter.

Thank you. I was talking to my dad and he said it might be the ignition?

[Sinister]

If your timing is too advanced it can be hard to start when it's hot. My guess is the solenoid like has been mentioned though.

[Stocker]

Originally Posted by Sinister

If your timing is too advanced it can be hard to start when it's hot.

IF timing is the problem, the dist. weights could be stuck in the advanced position...

[chevychompers]

hi everybody, my first post I have a 70 cst 20 with a 350 and recently went through the same scenario you describe. I would suggest you check your battery, alternator and voltage regulator. My problem was a combination bad brand new battery, bad old alt and bad old voltage regulator.

[ace of shades]

When you find out the problem to this tell me LOL. Mine has had the same problem, I rewired all the starter wires, Went through 3 different starters, re-did this and that. The only thing I haven't tinkered with is the actual ignition switch. I do know I had to shim mine, It hasn't done its thing since I shimmed it, but Its really hard to diagnose when it doesn't do it all time. Good luck to you

[treveiger]

The other day i went to start my truck i turned it over for a sec then stopped an then tried again an nothing it didnt even click so i gave up an went to where i was going in my car then came back wiggled the wires an played around a little bit then it worked fine, i was wondering if it was the solenoid too but it hasnt done it sense.

[RemingtonSteel]

Originally Posted by 71GMC71

Thank you. I was talking to my dad and he said it might be the ignition?

i have had this issue with my ign switch loose wire. also my sound stupid but check all you ground wires you will be supprised how many times it is something simple like that

[Notrodder]

That bump it with a hammer thing works if your starter has a flat spot. This, cleaning the battery post, and checking the wiring are all free, and easy to do.

[Nova70]

This was happening to me so I replaced the starter, haven't had it happen since and it was about a year ago. I'm running headers so it cooked the first starter. I bought a lifetime warrantied starter this time and hopefully I never have to use it.

Mine would start just fine after I let her cool down for a bit. I would go somewhere and have to sit in there parking lot for 30 minutes to an hour waiting for the starter to cool down enough that it would want to crank.

[Shyguy]

Originally Posted by treveiger

The other day i went to start my truck i turned it over for a sec then stopped an then tried again an nothing it didnt even click so i gave up an went to where i was going in my car then came back wiggled the wires an played around a little bit then it worked fine, i was wondering if it was the solenoid too but it hasnt done it sense.

You probably need to replace both battery cables and clean up the connections. That is what I had to do to my 4-Runner with the same symptoms.

[6772owner]

I had the same type of issues as described and I finally put a heat shield on the starter and an external soleniod (think F**d type) and havent had a problem since. I used to carry a bottle of water and just dump it on the starter when it was too hot, but I dont recommend it around hot headers!

[mcampbell]

I hate to admit how long I put up with the same problem. When mine was hot after stopping for an errand or two on the way home from work it started every time with an old ratchet shorted across the solonoid terminals. Works great and easy to get to with rams horn manifolds. I even did it a few times while the cop who stopped me was climbing back on his scoot. I got good at making sure the key was on before I got out and opened the hood.
In the course of a year or two I changed battery twice and both cables, relays and starter twice. The final fix was a smaller high torque starter to keep distance between the exhaust. I think it was from a 95 Camaro. Put it on 4 months ago and never a problem since even with 105 degrees most afternoons.

[Lee H]

Does your truck still have all the ground straps attached? I would buy a black battery cable about 16 inches long and bolt one end to the head or motor mount and the other to the frame.