I've got a 1989 with a TBI 305 and 700 r4. I had trouble getting it to start after driving it for over 5 minutes. I replaced the battery, both cables, and the starter. I even purchased a starter heat shield to try and remedy the dreaded starter "heat soak" problem. But nothing has worked. If i get a jump start, the cables dont even have to be on for 5 seconds and the engine will turn over. Do i just need a more powerful battery? I've been through 3 starters within the past 2 weeks and none have fixed the problem. The only other thing i could think of was the alternator, but i had the alternator tested both on and off of the car and it tested fine. I'm all out of ideas. Help me out guys!!!

 

Check the ignition base timing. If it's too early it will make the starter sound like the battery is low. Jumping it will add enough extra power to start it. To check it when it is hot and won't crank, disconnect the coil wire to the distributor. If it spins over it's the timing.

 

what size, i.e. CCA's is the batt?

 

720 cca's. It's an autozone battery "duralast gold". Im considering an optima. Also, when my car is running, the gauge in the dash shows the volts getting low, like 11-12 volts. The volts start off fine at 14 or so where they should but once it runs for a minute they drop and just stay low. I tried the coil wire thing but it still didn't start.

 

the fact that you get started from jumpers would lead me to believe that you have a power source problem. I would take your battery back and get a Optima red top. You'll pay a little more but in the end it is WELL worth it.

But, even with a brand new battery, starter, and lines you should be able to start the vehicle. There has to be an underlying issue, and an Optima battery may solve it, but it is only a mask to the true issue.

 

Test/recharge the battery before you buy a new one.

 

Stekman's right. K.I.S.S.

Many times when you get a "new" battery from somewhere, it will have a low charge and need recharged before you can really use it. My new optima emitted a low charge when I just bought it and took it to work to test it.

 

I have a Denso gear reduction starter out of a 1990 Vette that Im selling. I guarantee that car will never have a problem turning over again. PM me if youre interested.