I am at a loss on what to do. My IROC will not start when it is hot. I have repeatedly changed out the starter. It has a lifetime warranty rebuilt Delco I just put in. The VATS ignition switch is brand new. It will start when cold with no problem. When it gets hot, the solenoid just clicks. It will not engage the flywheel. When I turn the ignition switch, I can see the guage needle sweeping across the face. This indicates to me that the solenoid is drawing current. Am I right in that assumption? What else could be causing this situation? Anybody out there have a similar problem? Can my computer be bad or part of the VATS system?

 

I've heard this is not an uncommon problem for SBC's with headers. This link has an article on relocating the solenoid to minimize the effects of heat on it. I would probably try this before anything else.
http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/S...32/starter.htm

 

Yea, I think you're right about it drawing the voltage in its attempt to start. I have had this problem before, but after changing the starter this last time, so far it seems to have stopped acting up. It was only the second one I've put in since I've had the car, and last time was over 5 years ago. I don't know how many you've changed, but if it's excessive, I'd probably put a heat blanket or shield around it. When my problem occured, I wouldn't get any clicking at all, just a blank turn of the key. All other systems worked as advertised, it just wouldn't start. There is a starter enable relay in the system, but I doubt that's your problem. I guess all I can offer you is to make sure all your connections are clean at the starter and the battery, maybe go with a blanket...

KAM

 

I cured my hot starter problem with a Mini-Starter from Summit. I have a 350 with SLP
1 3/4 Headers and it was frying my stock starter.

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1987 Black Camaro IROC-Z (original owner) Replaced LB9 @ 86100 miles.
New 350 Crate engine
Balanced & blueprinted
WP 67cc Heads 9.6:1 C.R.
Cam: 450lift,216dur@50,110ls
TPI Induction(from 305)
22# Fuel Injectors
SLP Intake runners
New Computer chip
K&N filters & Air Foil ,
Hothkis STB
SLP 1 3/4 Headers
CATCO 3" Catalytic conv.
SLP 3" Cat Back Exhaust
700R4 Auto
SLP Torque Converter (2400 stall)
Limited Slip rear
245/45/ZR-17 Tires
17x8.5 ATI 5 Razze Wheels
EST. 340HP
380#/ft of Torque
NEW TOY!

 

Ok,Thanks for the quick replies already. This is one of the reasons why I really like this site. I should have added that I have no headers on this car. Unbelievably as it may seem, it is stone stock. I have had this car 8 months. This is my third third gen Camaro. I did not have this problem with my other two. Does anybody feel the hot no start could be anything other than the solenoid on the starter causing this? I know it gets hot here in Houston, Tx, but man, a fresh rebuilt Delco starter ought to be able to be trouble free for at least a couple months if that is what the problem is. This car is my daily driver and this problem needs to GO AWAY! I will try the remote solenoid setup and see if that corrects it. I would just like a little more feedback from a coulple more guys on their opinion as to what may be happening. Thanks for your time.

MY daily driver is:
'89 Convertible IROC
22 option car
Unhit, original paint,
top, etc. very nice car.

 

DID THE PREVIOUS OWNER DO ANY ELECTRICAL STUFF ?? MINE HAD A ALARM UNDER THE DASH THE PREVIOUS OWNER REMOVED WHEN HE SOLD IT. MINE CAME UP LIKE YOURS AND WOULD NOT START WHEN SUMMERTIME CAME. I FINALLY FOUND WHERE HE HAD SPLICED A LIGHTER GAGE WIRE INTO THE IGNITION CIRCUT UNDER THE DASH. IT JUST WOULD NOT CARRY THE LOAD. I FOUND IT IN THE AREA JUST ABOVE THE BRAKE PEDAL.

 

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HERS 90 IROC-Z 350 TPI
HIS 86 TRANSAM 305 TPI (406 AT SHOP NOW)

 

i fixed my problem by upgrading to heavier battery cables.

 

I was going to say that I had this same problem when I put in the 350 last year all of the sudden (same headers/starter... no problems with the 305). I changed starters, installed a heat shield, and still had the problem.

Changed the battery and cable... no problem since!

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1984 z28 w/ a 357 cu in. monster engine which is looking like the posterchild for Edelbrock with the exception of the Holley 750vac... all the suspension stuff... 9-bolt posi disk is in...

-=ICON Motorsports=-