I have a 88 trans am with a sarting problem. When the engine is cold it starts fine but after it warms up it will not start utill the engine cools off. When I hit the key the starter doesn't make a single turn or sound like if the battery was completely dead, but all of the lights and components work fine, and once the engine cools down it will start just fine. The battery and alternator are less than six months old and the starter and solenoid is less than two months old. I've had this problem since I bought the car in 95, and it's slowly getting worse. If anyone has a fix for this problem your suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Chris

 

sounds like the starter is getting BBQ'ed and not wanting to start from the heat, should get a shield or a high temp cover for the starter and that should fix the problem.

 

Classis solenoid hanging up due to heat. Heat shield and perhaps and high temp wrap around the starter. I switched to a hi-torque mini starter and high temp wrap and have never had a problem again. The mini-starter is nice for header clearance.


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Rob P
89RSconvtZZ4TPI Edelbrock Intake
SLP Dual Cold Air Intake 1 5/8" Headers Semi-Siamesed Runners, IROC
suspension, alum shaft. Numerous mods.
92Z28convt5spd (stock)
71Impala convt 402BB
BETTER DRIVING THRU SUPERIOR HORSEPOWER!

 

Thank you. I just bought a heat shield for my solenoid and I'm installing it tomorrow. I'll let you know if this works.
Thanks again,
Chris

 

Just an idea. Have you tried starting it WITH the lights on ? I have a friend who had the same prob, and putting the lights on let the starter engage. Must've beem some sort of electrcal problem. Just an idea.


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88 GTA 5.7 TPI Charcoal Grey Bone Stock except for loose muffler which makes it a bit louder than normal.

 

Check the ground cable to the battery for resistance. When copper (starter windings)gets hot it doesn't conduct electricity as well. Get a heat shield. get a "Start 'em up kit". It's basicly a Ford starter solenoid you mount on the right inner fender and then
attach your starter wires to it. You then bypass/jump the solenoid on the starter. with a metal strap across the terminals. This moves the "switch" out of the heat. Gm used just such a setup on Motorhomes. Check your ignition timing. If it is over advanced at idle it will strain the starter. Should be
32 to 36 deg total at hi rpm. Inital need not
be much more than 10 to 12 if the advance curve is right.

 

Classic GM Starter Heat-Soak problem.Been fighting this stuff for years.
Heat shield on starter,Ford solenoid on fender are the best two solutions.
May only require one of the two.
-Rich-

 

Well the heat shield on the solenoid didn't work. I'm trying to find a heat shield for the whole starter, none of my local auto stores carry them. I'll keep you guy's posted and thank you for your suggestions. Hopefully I'll be able to get this fixed by process of elimination.

Chris

 

I had the same problem. I had to get a new starter as the old one was cooked. I also got a heat shield that covers the whole starter. No problems since. I'm 100% sure that's your problem.

Robert

 

It is too late for the heatshield now the starter is already fried. Get a new starter and put the heatshield on and see if it lasts. If it don't get a mini-starter.

 

two ways to combat it.buy a mini starter or run twice the gauge of your starter wire.the reason for this is as the wire absorbs the heat,resistance is built up causing you not to get the correct amount of amps to crank the motor.