Starter Help

[rw24]

I have a 1980 corvette that when the engine gets hot the starter drags before it will start. If I wait until the engine cools down some it will start with no problems. I have tried a starter heat shield and did not help at all. I have have went through 2 of the regular starters that napa carries to see if it would stop the starter from dragging with no luck. I was thinking about trying one of the racing mini starters that summit and jegs carries. The starter that is on there has lifetime warranty so should I just get another one like it and see if it works better this time or should I go with a mini starter. Anyother suggestions to help stop the starter from dragging when it is hot is welcomed.

 

[clarence-nieuwhof]

Before changing your starter , chech your timing. It may be out and you will sometimes have the same symptoms. Worth checking before spending $s

 

[lone73]

Also check out the cable, If it's old it'll generate more resistance the hotter it gets and you'll lose voltage by the time the cable reaches the starter, it's very long too. I've seen that prob on many old beaters before. Could just be starter cable connections too.
good luck
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[steves1980]

My 1980 does the same thing, played with the timing, still does it, hope i dont go thru starters like you are, have not tried heat sheilds yet, it starts just drags, checked all the cables, they seem tight and in good shape. if you come up with a fix let me know.
ty steve

 

[brydell]

I had a similar problem with my '65 GTO. I cured it by rebuilding the original starter. Delco starters can be fitted with either Standard or Heavy Duty solenoids. The HD version is much more tolerant of heat, and thus is not prone to heat soak. My '70 L-46 starter has begun to drag recently. I plan to rebuild it similar to the GTO. I believe most over-the-counter rebuilt or reman starters come with a standard solenoid.

 

[mr mctavish]

I had the same prob. with 81 , instaled solenoid heat shield from napa.
part # BK 6561571 less than $10 -- solved

 

[curtis]

Mctavish, is that candy grape paint? I like it.

 

[MrGibbly]

I'm having the same problem with my '78 L48. I've had the initial timing anywhere from the 6 degrees that is recommended to 20 degrees and I get the same problem when she's all hot an bothered. I've been through 2 Napa rebuilt starters. Let us know what you come up with!

 

[Swamp Donkey]

Heavy duty spring in the solenoid or a mini starter are your main solutions to the "heat soak" problem commonly had by Corvettes with the high engine bay temps. If the heat shield did not help, those are probably your solutions. It sounds like you have checked the timing issue and the bad cable drawing juice before it gets to the starter.

 

[mr mctavish]

maroon metalic paint code: 79

 

[rw24]

I changed the timing and the starter stopped dragging. The timing is now set at about 8 degrees. The only thing is I have not had a chance to take it on a long trip yet to see how it performs when the engine gets hotter. But right now when I took it on a short trip the starter did not drag when I restarted the car . I will let u know if anything changes. Hopefully I can go on a longer trip to see how the starter does in the next couple of days.