I have a 87 IROC Z28 with a 5.7 automatic.
About a month ago I started getting starter problems. When the car got warm the car would not start. You turned the key and NOTHING happens, not even a click. Everything else works (radio, dome light etc) but no click!
If the car sits for 10 mins or so it starts just fine. Two days ago I replace the starter and the solenoid thinking they were old and etc. Well, last night it did it again! Let it set 5 mins and bingo it turns over just fine.
Could my battery cables need replacing? What else could be the problem? I don't see where this could be a heat soak problem because it only started happening a while ago and since then I've replaced the starter and solenoid.
I've had the car about 2 years and never had the problem before. Oh, and it does NOT have headers (yet) so that will not generate any additional heat and has been in place for the life of the car.

Help!!!

 

Sounds like a loose or high-resistance connection on battery positive and/or negative cable(s).

I'd remove both ends of each cable, clean thoroughly w/ a wire brush & solvent, and re-install with a light smear of dielectric grease (available at most parts stores.) Don't go crazy tightening them, get 'em good and snug.

Check back and let us know how it works out.

-Kevin

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1982 Z-28

See http://www.mycar.net/mafb/registry/detail.cfm?id=276 for details

 

VATS fault timer?

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Later,
Vader
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"Make Me Bad"
Adobe Acrobat Reader 4.0

 

No VATS on the 87.

 

I had the same problem with my 86. I replaced the negative battery cable (including the small ground wire from the battery to the chassis) and it cured the problem. Make sure your engine to chassis ground strap is in good condition. Of course i figured this out after 2 starters 1 positive battery cable and weeks of jumping my solenoid to start my car with the bare end of "The Club".



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Edwin
1986 IROC, 1992 Body Kit, 1989 5.7 IROC Engine, Crane Cam, 3" CVX Exhaust, ADS Superchip, 24# FoMoCo Injectors, Gutted Cat, AFPR (45 psi), Airfoil, 3.42 Gears, MAF Screens removed, Gutted Airbox, K&N Filters

 

IROC, I have been having the same exact thing with my car, now I know not to go replacing the starter because of what u said, but it could be what Z28 350 said. My mechanic told me that timing could have something to do with it to.

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89 RS 2.8
Looking for:

87 IROC-Z L98
84 TRANS AM H.O.

[This message has been edited by IROC-ZTWENTYGR8 (edited October 04, 2000).]

 

ZTWENTYGR8 it couldn't be the timing because it is not even cranking over. The timing does not come into play until the crank and cam are turning.

I am going to replace both the positive and negative cables this weekend and hopefully it will cure the problem. Does anyone know where the little wire on the starter goes to (maybe distributor)? Should I try and replace it too? :

 

Update!
I replaced both battery cables and cleaned the connection where they attach and the problem has not happened again! My alternator is even charging at a higher rate.
Thanks for all your help. I let you know if the problem happens again.

 

excellent

Steve