Another hard starting problem, AFTER remote solenoid installed - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**ScottH** · 03-26-2004, 11:44 PM

Ok, I have a 72 C20 with a 402 with headers in it. Ever since I bought it (6 months ago) it won't start once it gets hot. So in talking to other members and reading similar posts, I decide to go the remote solenoid route. I installed that last weekend and finished up today cleaning up some of the wiring mess PO left.

Anyway once the truck got hot, same problem. I know the timing is not right. If I put a light on it and attempt to time it, the mark is way off in order for it to run. It runs fine being advanced so far, but I'm wondering if this could affect the starting when hot. Or should I try replacing the starter?

Any info or suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks.

**Palf70Step** · 03-26-2004, 11:54 PM

I'd say I would try a new starter. that is still the common variable. My old BB Pontiac use to eat starters from the heat, not just the solenoids. Heat has probably taken it's tole on the starter already. If you haven't, I'd make a heat shield for the starter.

Longhorn Man · 03-27-2004, 12:02 AM

I have to agree with Bill, even though the solinoid is the weak link on the starter, the motor can be damaged from the heat just as easily.
Stay away from NAPA starters, this is one of the few items they have that is garbage.

sneakysnake · 03-27-2004, 12:45 AM

A solinoid is only an electomagnetic switch, that energizes the the positive wire to the starter motor and throws the bendix drive into the flywheel, your problem sounds more like brushes or windings in the starter motor breaking down from heat.
A ford can use a remote solinoid because the drive is engaged by the torque or the starter spinning.

**GSFMECH** · 03-27-2004, 01:56 AM

You are right sneakysnake, that's what it sounds like to me too. You also have to remember that putting a remote solenoid won't help it if the solenoid on the starter is indeed bad. You still have to energize the solenoid on the GM starter for it to start, so you have not really helped the problem by using a remote solenoid if you think about it. They are handy to have though if you want a place to bump the starter for setting valve lash and such. Auto-zone starters are crap too but they come with a nice heat shield for the solenoid. Sounds like your harmonic balancer ring has slipped, you probably should check for true top dead center and if it has, change out that balancer pronto before it comes completly undone.
Mike

03-26-2004, 11:44 PM	#1
ScottH Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Hampstead, NC Posts: 8,187	Another hard starting problem, AFTER remote solenoid installed Ok, I have a 72 C20 with a 402 with headers in it. Ever since I bought it (6 months ago) it won't start once it gets hot. So in talking to other members and reading similar posts, I decide to go the remote solenoid route. I installed that last weekend and finished up today cleaning up some of the wiring mess PO left. Anyway once the truck got hot, same problem. I know the timing is not right. If I put a light on it and attempt to time it, the mark is way off in order for it to run. It runs fine being advanced so far, but I'm wondering if this could affect the starting when hot. Or should I try replacing the starter? Any info or suggestions are appreciated. Thanks.

03-26-2004, 11:54 PM	#2
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 46,761	I'd say I would try a new starter. that is still the common variable. My old BB Pontiac use to eat starters from the heat, not just the solenoids. Heat has probably taken it's tole on the starter already. If you haven't, I'd make a heat shield for the starter. __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God!

03-27-2004, 12:02 AM	#3
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	I have to agree with Bill, even though the solinoid is the weak link on the starter, the motor can be damaged from the heat just as easily. Stay away from NAPA starters, this is one of the few items they have that is garbage.

03-27-2004, 12:45 AM	#4
sneakysnake It's a catastrophic success. Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 2,077	A solinoid is only an electomagnetic switch, that energizes the the positive wire to the starter motor and throws the bendix drive into the flywheel, your problem sounds more like brushes or windings in the starter motor breaking down from heat. A ford can use a remote solinoid because the drive is engaged by the torque or the starter spinning.

03-27-2004, 01:56 AM	#5
GSFMECH On the road Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: NATCHITOCHES LOUISIANA Posts: 811	You are right sneakysnake, that's what it sounds like to me too. You also have to remember that putting a remote solenoid won't help it if the solenoid on the starter is indeed bad. You still have to energize the solenoid on the GM starter for it to start, so you have not really helped the problem by using a remote solenoid if you think about it. They are handy to have though if you want a place to bump the starter for setting valve lash and such. Auto-zone starters are crap too but they come with a nice heat shield for the solenoid. Sounds like your harmonic balancer ring has slipped, you probably should check for true top dead center and if it has, change out that balancer pronto before it comes completly undone. Mike



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