Starter Prob...I know..again

[marman101]

New to the forum. I have acquired a 1972 Chevy BB 402 long bed truck. The problem I have is it starts right up everyday right off the bat. But, after I have driven it for whatever amount of time and I kill it it won't start again. It barely turns over. I wait 10 minutes and it starts again. It acts like it will barely turn over but then it kicks off. Any ideas from you experienced truck guys. I am not new to cars and motors, but this one is getting me.

Thanks.

[71gmcburb]

you need to install a heat sheld on your starter or route the exuast away from it. the heat from the exuast is causing the starter to overheat.

[marman101]

Thanks. I had not thought of that, but it makes sense. I did have an old Vette that I had to do that with. This truck has headers so I will look at it. Keep you posted.

Thanks again.

[slikside]

Originally Posted by 71gmcburb

you need to install a heat sheld on your starter or route the exuast away from it. the heat from the exuast is causing the starter to overheat.

This was my first thought, and I have no doubt that it will help. I had this same issue with my '72 SWB C-10, but I never got around to doing it. What I did do was rebuild my carb. Solving the starter issue never entered my mind as a reason for rebuilding the carb, or as a possible fix, but I have not had that problem since the rebuild. My carb was in dire need of one. Strange, I know, but that's what happened. All I can think is that the rebuild improved airflow or something?? BTW, stock ramhorns/exhausts.

[ChevLoRay]

I had the same problem, after I changed carbs from an Edelbrock AFB-type to an Edelbrock Q-Jet. As soon as I did it, the newer carburetor ran much better and much leaner. So, more heat was generated. A heat shield did the trick and never had it to happen again.

[geezer#99]

Here's the ultimate cure for your heatsoak. You can change the cables, charge your battery, adjust your timing, add a heat shield, replace the starter and solenoid and even wrap your headers but this will cure it forever.
http://www.northernautoparts.com/Pro...tModelId=29888

[marman101]

Thanks everyone. Got the heat shield today and will install later today. I am thinking this will help. Keep you posted.

Truck has 402 BB, Edelbrock Performer, Holley 650 (don't quote me on that one), dual exhaust and headers, auto on the column. This three speed auto tranny drives me crazy not shifting after third into what I expect to be fourth gear. I will get used to it.

Thanks again.

[marman101]

Got the heat shield wrapped around my starter yesterday and took it downtown this afternoon. Parked it...tried to start it and the same thing. Barely wanting to turn over. We went and ate lunch...had me an Old Tom's gin and tonic and went back to try it again and of course it started. We were there about 45 minutes eating lunch.

So...back to square one.

[oldblue1968chevy]

whats the timing..

[oldblue1968chevy]

try retarding it a hair next time (turn dizzy clockwise if your lookin' in the hood)

[marman101]

I haven't gotten that far yet. I just got the truck a couple of weeks ago. I am just getting acquainted with it. Here are a couple of pics of the truck for those interested,

Originally Posted by oldblue1968chevy

whats the timing..

[marman101]

Yup, I will do that in the morning. Thanks.

Originally Posted by oldblue1968chevy

try retarding it a hair next time (turn dizzy clockwise if your lookin' in the hood)

[marman101]

Originally Posted by oldblue1968chevy

try retarding it a hair next time (turn dizzy clockwise if your lookin' in the hood)

Adjusted it back a degree then two. Then back to one. Was at 36 now shy of it. Idling better and performing a little better, but still won't start when you drive it and then shut it off. Also starting to knock a little like it has cheap gas in it. I put some 108 race fuel in it to see if it quiets down, but it isn't. Probably needs the carb rebuilt.

[oldblue1968chevy]

Is it a high CR engine? Maybe back it off a little more still lol

[71gmcburb]

you said you're running headers, how close does the fuel line get to the exuast? the heat could be evaporating the fuel? it would explain the fact that it is hard to start after running. also if the starter has been heatsoaked enough times it will be weak, witch could also be part of the problem if the motor has a high compression ratio

[BLK96]

The remote solenoid will solve your problem BTDT.
Posted via Mobile Device

[71gmcburb]

Originally Posted by marman101

Got the heat shield wrapped around my starter yesterday and took it downtown this afternoon. Parked it...tried to start it and the same thing. Barely wanting to turn over. We went and ate lunch...had me an Old Tom's gin and tonic and went back to try it again and of course it started. We were there about 45 minutes eating lunch.

So...back to square one.

if the heat sheild is againest the starter it works like a blanket holding the heat in not reflecting it.

An old landlord of mine had a Reliant that was doing the same thing. He had taken it to a shop to have the starter replaced. while the tech was doing the repair he either lost the clip that held the heat shield off of the starter or just didn't feel like putting it on (it was a real PITA). He ziptied it to the starter. It only lasted about 6mths and it killed the brand new starter. My landlord brought the car to me. I found the problem and replaced the clip and starter. never had a problem again.

BTW car (1984) only had about 42000 miles at the time 1999

[marman101]

Originally Posted by 71gmcburb

you said you're running headers, how close does the fuel line get to the exuast? the heat could be evaporating the fuel? it would explain the fact that it is hard to start after running. also if the starter has been heatsoaked enough times it will be weak, witch could also be part of the problem if the motor has a high compression ratio

No, not a high compression motor...yet. I haven't looked at the fuel line. Will do that next. I may have to go to a mini starter with more torque ( just for me...not solving anything there). May do the remote solenoid somebody mentioned too.

Thanks.

[marman101]

Originally Posted by BLK96

The remote solenoid will solve your problem BTDT.
Posted via Mobile Device

Thanks. I will be getting this done next weekend.

[72 K20]

I had a 69 C10 with a 454 with headers that ate a starter about every 2 months and would start part of the time when hot ,, part of the time not,,,, very inconveniant when you stopped for a pop and ended up sitting there for a half hour til the truck would start again.

I changed over to the remote solenoid and eliminated both problems.

I change all of my trucks to the remote solenoid. It also makes the starter a lot easier to change if you ever do have to change it.

[CaptRMW]

Change the starter drive end bushing.

[marman101]

Originally Posted by BLK96

The remote solenoid will solve your problem BTDT.
Posted via Mobile Device

I am trying this. Jegs has a kit for $25 almost identical to the Painless Wiring kit. Longacre has one with a bump switch too I may choose too. Only $38 for that one.

Thanks for the info.

[71swb4x4]

Like the others mentioned it sounds like heat soak or timing too far advanced. I have never had a car with the heat soak issue but twice I have had the timing issue. Both times I backed the timing off several degrees and my problem went away.

[nicosorange]

Had the same problem, put in a good gear reduction mini starter and that solved the problem...
Posted via Mobile Device

[70cst]

Hey marman101 ...

to the site and from Ohio.

I'm signed on to see what you find out