I have a '89 GTA with a 350 that has had the VATS bypassed but i am having cranking problems.When the car is cold it always cranks and starts no problem but once i have drive for a few miles and then switch off it will not staret.I turn the key and all ignition lights come on but when i turn to crank it nothing happens.I also have a switch straight to the starter so that bypasses the whole electrical system but it will not crank wirth that either,its as though battery is completely dead.If i park car for about 15 minutes or so and try again it cranks and starts ok.There are two wires near column that have a resistor fitted is that the VATS bypass,they are white/black and purple/black.If i dissconnect resistor and crank car using the switch i have to starter car will start and run.When car is running it runs with no problems,its just cranking problem,battery is new,could it be starter motor?

Thanks Jimmy.

 

It could be the starter solenoid,but I would check the fusible links coming off the starter first.One of those going bad could cause the problems you're having.

 

Probably bad ignition component - when the component gets warm, it doesn't function any more. Try replacing the Ignition module in the distributor ($36), the secondary coil (outside the distributor), or the primary pick-up coil (inside the distributor) - I mention it last because it's the hardest to get to.

 

So not even a click, or a dimming of lights? Has to be the starter given that you made up a separate starting circuit, but check that all connections are sound first.

 

[quote=Fullsizewagon;3608192]So not even a click, or a dimming of lights? Has to be the starter given that you made up a separate starting circuit, but check that all connections are sound first.[/quot

When it happens i do sometimes get a clicking first and then nothing even using the seperate starting circuit which is connected straight from battery so that should really crank engine,thats why i thought it may be starter motor maybe getting too hot or something as it does not have any heat shield on it.I will have to wait until weekend to take it off and check starter and wiring,don't think it has anything to do with distributor as that would not cause engine to not crank over,plus it is completely brand new.
Thanks for all replies.
P.S. On subject of distributor,when i changed it i set timing at about 8 degrees btc,does anyone know correct setting as the underhood label is missing and manual states to look on that for setting,car runs good on 8 though.

 

Well i had starter apart and most parts looked ok so i just gave it a good clean up and gave the commutator (i think thats what its called)a light going over with some fine wet and dry paper,i put new brushes in anyway as they were cheap to buy and now it turns everytime without fail and seems to turn over faster which in turn seems to start car quicker as before it took a couple of turns before car fired up but now it starts first turn.
Thanks for all advice given.

 

is it easy to fix yer starter this way? mine on my 86 juss quit on me tonight. all i get is a lights dim... jumpin aint help any... thanks

 

It was pretty easy to do once out of car,it can be a bit fiddly getting the brushes back in.I have just started having same problem again although not as often so i think the armature needs replacing.Heres a link to a fault finding page with a little diagram of starter.
http://home.clara.net/hallvw/starter.htm

 

apreciate it