Stock 1990 IROC 305 TPI 5spd

When I turn the key, I can hear the relay click and the voltmeter shows a discharge but nothing from the starter, not even a click. Seems to only happen when I shut off the car when its hot and then try to start again within 15 minutes or so. Doesn't always happen, but when it does, I always have to wait, around 20 minutes sometimes(although time can vary greatly) and eventually it will start fine, like nothing happened. Thought maybe a faulty clutch switch but since it works after waiting i dont think thats it. Starter always starts good and sounds strong when it works. Doesnt sound like it's on its way out.

What the heck? Very annoying and embarrassing!

I noticed the starter and it's wires are very close to the exhaust, and wondering if the heat can be doing something to the electronics?

Or maybe there is something in the ECU that doesn't let the car start when over a certain temp? Never heard of that before tho

 

After having this happen to two starters, I tried a suggestion I found on this board - LT1 starter (much smaller gear reduction starter) so far so good, and much lighter - but it's only been a few weeks.

When it happened to me I was able to get it started hot if I could get someone to crank it while I got under the car and tapped the starter with something. I figure that heat makes the solenoid stick, or there's a bad spot on the motor - but either way it's heat related.

 

One of two things, or a combination of both is your problem here. The first is that you hav a bad starter. Its quite common. As posted above the hammer trick is a good indicator. Heat soak is another problem. If your starter is old, and has a little more resistance than it should in either the solenoid windings or the motor itself, it will only be magnified by the heat of the exhaust. Heat makes resistance go up, dramaticaly. You should test the starter, to ensure that it is either good, or bad. And then install a heat shield first. You can generally purchase something that will work at many parts stores or at a junkyard. It wont really need to be from a thirdgen, just something with a sbc should be ok.

 

I agree with all of the above post and will add another item to check first since it is the easiest.

What is the condition of your battery wires anad do you have a good connection to the starter and an excellent ground.

Check for loose connection or poor cable condition. The heat is driving up the resistence and poor wiring can not overcome it.

 

Wires. If it's not the wires and you are truly experiencing heat soak (trivia: the actual part that has the problem? ) go get a remote starter relay (there's a hint, but not the answer to the trivia question) and have done.