My Formula won't start when it's hot. When it is cold, it starts no problem. When cold the starter doesn't bog, the engine turns over right away, and runs smoothly. However, when hot, the starter bogs heavily, the lights dim, and it will not start. But if I jump start or push start the car when hot, it will start right away. Or if I let the car cool off for an hour or so, it will start without problems.

I wrapped the starter, suspecting heat soak. Didn't fix it.
I checked the voltage of the battery and alternator. Both are fine.
I replaced the starter and solenoid. Didn't fix it.
I checked the engine ground. Didn't fix it.

So, what's left? Is there a starter relay or something that I've overlooked?

Thanks.

 

Maverick this problem is happening more and more these days. I put up a thread about a week ago on the exact same thing. My neighbors vette-3 different starters-all doing exactly the same thing. In all three chain store units the solenoid plunger was hanging up after it got hot. he got an AC-Delco reman and it was OK so far. The only thing aside from the starter would be a battery load test when the battery is hot to see if it's losing cranking current. I have really tried to look into this and all I have come up with is that many of the rebuilt units are using offshore components perhaps not with the heat resistance of better parts. The problem of "heat soak" generally happens with older starters when the lube dries out and they get dirty. Sometimes all I have done is take it apart, clean it and then relube. A heat shield is a good idea especially with a new starter as it prolongs life. If you rule out everything else I would try an OE starter. Please PM me if you find what is going on.

 

What about the Timing being advanced too far. Just an idea. Have you done a tune up recently, or could your dist. have moved on you (loose clamp down bolt)? You have done all the other things I can think of.

Let us know.

 

I had a very similar problem, starts fine cold, won't turn over hot.

The starter motor was on its way out - rebuilt starter - starts first time, every time - also check that you are don't have a resistance problem - check the current being drawn at the battery when cranking reaches the starter motor.

 

I was having similar problems with a few of my cars with headers and i ended up solving all starting problems by going down to the auto parts store and buying either double aught or 1-2 guage battery cables and i havent had a problem on any of the cars i own or work on. Make sure you have a good ground strap as well to your motor from the chassis.

 

Same problem here. I have also tried all of the stuff mentioned above, but nothin seams to work! Its really very embarrasing when you sit in your car, everibody is waching, (The only working firebird where I live) try to start the car and just get a bogging sound!

 

I'm going thru the same thing too. Tried the heat shield, header wrap, remote solenoid, went thru two new starters. The problem still lingers. Just orders a high torque mini starter, I'll let everyone know how it works. If it still bogs, there might be drastic exhaust rerouting in the near future.

 

I recently finished a complete restoration of an 83 Z28. All of the spare parts I bought from one cheap end supplier, were sub standard. I ended up taking all the parts back for refunds. I started buying only from reputable suppliers and the Chevy dealer. The good stuff was not noticably more expensive than the rubbish, the rubbish store just implied out it was cheaper through advertising. It cost more in gas to keep taking the stuff back than to pay more for something that worked.

Funnily enough the low grade supplier went out of business, which was not surprising as anytime of day you could see customers bringing the substandard stuff back.

The starter should be able to easily take the heat. But the problem you describe is almost definately due to sub standard parts. I would not wrap it though becaus it will pick up heat from the engine as well as from the nearby exhaust.

Take it back and go elsewhere. otherwise you keep drawing frm the same faulty batch of possibly hundreds.