Issues with the 71 big block - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Vintage Windmills · 08-24-2011, 01:51 PM

So my truck won't crank when its hot. I suspect the starter solenoid? Does that make sense that its temperature dependent? It has a 402BBC with hooker headers. The lights dim a tad when the key is in start positioin but theres no click or anything.

Also, looks like a real pain to get at with the headers on there. Should I yank the engine since I'd like to redo the valve guides while I'm at it?

Jud

**too much stuff** · 08-24-2011, 06:31 PM

You can put a heat shield around the solenoid and get a bigger gauge pos. wire from the battery to starter. That helped on mine.

Vintage Windmills · 08-24-2011, 06:55 PM

Eric good ideas. Looks like i may have to remove the headers though to replace the positive cable.

**LockDoc** · 08-24-2011, 09:56 PM

-
I put a mini starter on my 454 and cured my hot start problems. I guess the extra room around it made the difference.

LockDoc

72 K20 · 08-24-2011, 11:59 PM

I had a 69 C10 and a 71 GMC tonner with big blocks and headers. On the 69 I fought the hot start problem and every other month burned up starters until I switched it over to a fender mounted solenoid. After that I never replaced another starter on that truck. When I put the big block in the tonner I switched it to the fender mounted solenoid and never had a problem with it.
Some people don't like the fender mounted ( ford style ) solenoids but it works, and seems to let the starters live longer.

Vintage Windmills · 08-25-2011, 09:55 AM

Thanks guys, good input, I've also heard the mini starters help and I like the idea of a remote solenoid. Would be easy to service on the fender. I could probably make a sheetmetal cover to help keep it looking clean too.

I'm still wondering though- should I pull the engine to do the heads and replace the starter? These headers wrap around it big time.

QKENUF4U · 08-25-2011, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 72 K20

I had a 69 C10 and a 71 GMC tonner with big blocks and headers. On the 69 I fought the hot start problem and every other month burned up starters until I switched it over to a fender mounted solenoid. After that I never replaced another starter on that truck. When I put the big block in the tonner I switched it to the fender mounted solenoid and never had a problem with it.
Some people don't like the fender mounted ( ford style ) solenoids but it works, and seems to let the starters live longer.

Shyguy · 08-25-2011, 01:45 PM

I have a 454 in my '71 with Hooker headers and have heat soak problems. We are taking the engine out of the '71 lwb and putting it in my '67 which is on '69 swb frame so we will be putting a mini starter on the 454 along with a remote solenoid.

I think a combination of the mini starter and the remote solenoid should fix the heat soak problems.

*taank* · 08-25-2011, 02:00 PM

Loosen header. Valve seals can be done in car
Posted via Mobile Device

landsurvey1 · 08-25-2011, 04:05 PM

Switched to a mini starter and remote solenoid and havn't had a problem ever sense. And this is a bbc 454 w/headers in Phoenix, Az. where the temp will reach 114 today.

Vintage Windmills · 08-25-2011, 08:20 PM

Any brands of mini starters to watch out for? are they all good?

landsurvey1 · 08-25-2011, 11:03 PM

IMO use a new starter and not a rebuilt one. I bought mine at NAPA.

Shyguy · 08-25-2011, 11:14 PM

The folks on the Chevelle discussion forum seem to like the mini starters sold by DB Electric.

I checked out their web-site and the prices seem real good.

08-24-2011, 01:51 PM	#1
Vintage Windmills Vintage 4x4s Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Prior Lake, MN Posts: 4,305	Issues with the 71 big block So my truck won't crank when its hot. I suspect the starter solenoid? Does that make sense that its temperature dependent? It has a 402BBC with hooker headers. The lights dim a tad when the key is in start positioin but theres no click or anything. Also, looks like a real pain to get at with the headers on there. Should I yank the engine since I'd like to redo the valve guides while I'm at it? Jud __________________ 67 GMC K1500 Custom- 305V6 SM420, PTO, Ram Assist, yellow (the outcast) (project period correct upgrades) 67 GMC C2500 351V6 TH400, AC, PS, PB (can't decide what to do with. Update, decided to keep and will restore ) 86 CHV K30 502 th400, apple red NEW 71 CHV K20 350 SM465, ochre (saved work truck) 71 CHV K20 292 SM465, white, tach, PTO, (future project) 72 CHV K20 350 350th, medium blue (project stocker) 01 CHV K2500hd crew, indigo blue ^3 dont run and the others don't see winter either '86 K30 Cummins "Fireside" thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=649649 '71 K20 "get driveable" thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=590642 '72 K20 Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=493477&page=6

08-24-2011, 06:31 PM	#2
too much stuff Roadtrip! Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Grand Rapids MN Posts: 13,712	Re: Issues with the 71 big block You can put a heat shield around the solenoid and get a bigger gauge pos. wire from the battery to starter. That helped on mine. __________________ 67 gmc custom lwb dakota truck. Sold...And bought back 69 swb 4x4 project (in progress) 70 c-10 lwb texas truck 70 4x4/BB/bkts/posi/tach(retired) 70 swb (wifes) 70 jimmy camper 71 K-5 factory 2wd 71 cheyenne 4x4/tach/posi/ plow rig 71 Cheyenne20 BB, buckets, tach, tilt, 4 speed 72 jimmy CST wyoming rig 72 jimmy Colorado rig 72 lifted texas 4x4 3/4 ton burb 65 fury conv. 383/auto 65 chrysler 300 "L" 413 auto

08-24-2011, 06:55 PM	#3
Vintage Windmills Vintage 4x4s Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Prior Lake, MN Posts: 4,305	Re: Issues with the 71 big block Eric good ideas. Looks like i may have to remove the headers though to replace the positive cable. __________________ 67 GMC K1500 Custom- 305V6 SM420, PTO, Ram Assist, yellow (the outcast) (project period correct upgrades) 67 GMC C2500 351V6 TH400, AC, PS, PB (can't decide what to do with. Update, decided to keep and will restore ) 86 CHV K30 502 th400, apple red NEW 71 CHV K20 350 SM465, ochre (saved work truck) 71 CHV K20 292 SM465, white, tach, PTO, (future project) 72 CHV K20 350 350th, medium blue (project stocker) 01 CHV K2500hd crew, indigo blue ^3 dont run and the others don't see winter either '86 K30 Cummins "Fireside" thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=649649 '71 K20 "get driveable" thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=590642 '72 K20 Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=493477&page=6

08-24-2011, 09:56 PM	#4
LockDoc The Older Generation Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Montezuma, Iowa Posts: 25,393	Re: Issues with the 71 big block - I put a mini starter on my 454 and cured my hot start problems. I guess the extra room around it made the difference. LockDoc __________________ Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 -

08-24-2011, 11:59 PM	#5
72 K20 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Brandon,Iowa Posts: 391	Re: Issues with the 71 big block I had a 69 C10 and a 71 GMC tonner with big blocks and headers. On the 69 I fought the hot start problem and every other month burned up starters until I switched it over to a fender mounted solenoid. After that I never replaced another starter on that truck. When I put the big block in the tonner I switched it to the fender mounted solenoid and never had a problem with it. Some people don't like the fender mounted ( ford style ) solenoids but it works, and seems to let the starters live longer.

08-25-2011, 09:55 AM	#6
Vintage Windmills Vintage 4x4s Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Prior Lake, MN Posts: 4,305	Re: Issues with the 71 big block Thanks guys, good input, I've also heard the mini starters help and I like the idea of a remote solenoid. Would be easy to service on the fender. I could probably make a sheetmetal cover to help keep it looking clean too. I'm still wondering though- should I pull the engine to do the heads and replace the starter? These headers wrap around it big time. __________________ 67 GMC K1500 Custom- 305V6 SM420, PTO, Ram Assist, yellow (the outcast) (project period correct upgrades) 67 GMC C2500 351V6 TH400, AC, PS, PB (can't decide what to do with. Update, decided to keep and will restore ) 86 CHV K30 502 th400, apple red NEW 71 CHV K20 350 SM465, ochre (saved work truck) 71 CHV K20 292 SM465, white, tach, PTO, (future project) 72 CHV K20 350 350th, medium blue (project stocker) 01 CHV K2500hd crew, indigo blue ^3 dont run and the others don't see winter either '86 K30 Cummins "Fireside" thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=649649 '71 K20 "get driveable" thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=590642 '72 K20 Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=493477&page=6

08-25-2011, 01:45 PM	#8
Shyguy Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Southeast Missouri Posts: 2,436	Re: Issues with the 71 big block I have a 454 in my '71 with Hooker headers and have heat soak problems. We are taking the engine out of the '71 lwb and putting it in my '67 which is on '69 swb frame so we will be putting a mini starter on the 454 along with a remote solenoid. I think a combination of the mini starter and the remote solenoid should fix the heat soak problems. __________________ '67 Chevy C-20 short stepper - build complete, 454/SM-465. '75 C-30 Single Cab DRW-350 small block/NP-435. '77 GMC-6500 Dump Truck, 427 Tall Deck. '92 GMC K-3500 Duallie, 454/4L80E.

08-25-2011, 02:00 PM	#9
taank Account Suspended Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: hastings mn Posts: 186	Re: Issues with the 71 big block Loosen header. Valve seals can be done in car Posted via Mobile Device

08-25-2011, 04:05 PM	#10
landsurvey1 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Arizona Posts: 404	Re: Issues with the 71 big block Switched to a mini starter and remote solenoid and havn't had a problem ever sense. And this is a bbc 454 w/headers in Phoenix, Az. where the temp will reach 114 today.

08-25-2011, 08:20 PM	#11
Vintage Windmills Vintage 4x4s Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Prior Lake, MN Posts: 4,305	Re: Issues with the 71 big block Any brands of mini starters to watch out for? are they all good? __________________ 67 GMC K1500 Custom- 305V6 SM420, PTO, Ram Assist, yellow (the outcast) (project period correct upgrades) 67 GMC C2500 351V6 TH400, AC, PS, PB (can't decide what to do with. Update, decided to keep and will restore ) 86 CHV K30 502 th400, apple red NEW 71 CHV K20 350 SM465, ochre (saved work truck) 71 CHV K20 292 SM465, white, tach, PTO, (future project) 72 CHV K20 350 350th, medium blue (project stocker) 01 CHV K2500hd crew, indigo blue ^3 dont run and the others don't see winter either '86 K30 Cummins "Fireside" thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=649649 '71 K20 "get driveable" thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=590642 '72 K20 Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=493477&page=6

08-25-2011, 11:03 PM	#12
landsurvey1 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Arizona Posts: 404	Re: Issues with the 71 big block IMO use a new starter and not a rebuilt one. I bought mine at NAPA.

08-25-2011, 11:14 PM	#13
Shyguy Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Southeast Missouri Posts: 2,436	Re: Issues with the 71 big block The folks on the Chevelle discussion forum seem to like the mini starters sold by DB Electric. I checked out their web-site and the prices seem real good. __________________ '67 Chevy C-20 short stepper - build complete, 454/SM-465. '75 C-30 Single Cab DRW-350 small block/NP-435. '77 GMC-6500 Dump Truck, 427 Tall Deck. '92 GMC K-3500 Duallie, 454/4L80E.



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