OK so I've had this problem intermittently for the last 6 years or so, predominantly in the warmer months but occasionally in the cooler ones too. I did a fair but of searching and have not been able to find an answer readily. Sorry if this has already been covered... A little background, this is a 1985 Z28 w/ 305v8 and 4 barrel carb, 197K on the odometer, mechanically the car has always been solid, I've owned it for the last 10 years.

Basically, from a cold start the vehicle is always fine, cranks right up. After driving it around for awhile, ie: greater than 15 min, and then stopping. I go back out to start the car and turn the key and... nothing... the ignition appears dead, all lights come on, all other electronics are fine, battery has a good charge, but no cranking, no anything from under the hood. Just a completely dead ignition circuit. I have replaced the starter 3 times, battery, alternator, ignition coil, key solenoid, and ignition switches in the steering column, all to no avail. Wait 30 min after it doesn't start and then magically it starts right up again. I've taken it to 3 different mechanics over the years who have all looked at me like I was dumb and replaced one bit or another, but then the problem always returns.

A mechanic who lives across the street from me said that he and his cousin also had this problem with third gens and couldn't figure out what it was; they ended up selling them because of the unreliability issues...

I really want to get rid of this problem, and certainly don’t want to sell, but can't think of anything else to try. Please help! any insight would be great

 

I had the same on a chevy pickup. cheapest thing is to try a heat sheild on the starter. I did an aftermarket starter and heat sheild. Maybe new exhaust gaskets too. It may be blowing hot air right on the starter.

 

Next time it does it you can try running a jumper wire to the lug on the starter solenoid. A jumper cable would work. This would rule out 'most' anything else in the system. You'll still need to check voltage drop on the main power wire to the starter, in fact it may be worthwhile to go ahead and replace this wire with another of appropriate guage.

If it's the starter (and the starter's the most likely culprit) an LT1 starter (93-97) should fix the issue. It's a compact, newer design.

 

i had this problem with my car and it turned out to be the key - there is a small PASSKEY chip that runs through the key and makes contact with the side of the ignition. My car had 195k on it and the metal chips had worn down. I went to thw chevy dealership, they looked it up, copied the key ($20) and its started every time since. I don't know if your 95 would have the passkey system or not but its worth a try

 

Thanks for all the great responses! I don't think my car has the pass-key system, My parents used to have a 1991 Olds that had it, little chip thingy on the key, but I think this camaros a little too old for that (1985).

I had also considered the heat shield idea, was thinking of maybe installing an electric fan with a timer too, so after the car shuts off it continues to run for 5 minutes or something to cool it back down; hard to know if it will dissipate enough heat though..

Hmm, So there’s actually a bit of an issue with this type of 305 starter? That would explain why replacing it hasn’t helped, although you’d think if it was that widespread mechanics would know the fix.. Would the LT1 starter just bolt right on, or will I need to do any modification (electrical or mechanical)?

 

The LT1 starter should bolt right in. I don't recall any issues with the electrical connections either. A search on these boards will turn up more than a few problems with starter heat soak. I've experienced it only once in 50k miles myself-teaching my daughter to drive around a parking lot at 5-10 mph on a hot afternoon; shut it down and nothing then 20 minutes later it's fine.

I'd still look at that main power line to the starter. Age and a little corrosion can significantly reduce the voltage getting to the starter. It may read fine with no load then drop when the starter's engaged.

 

when it wont start get the test light and put it on the purple wire

its the small wire on the s terminal on the starter

have someone turn the key and if your test light turns on its the seliniod

if not let us know and we will help you diagnose it

 

I agree with jamon8. Testing is the only way to know for sure what the problem is.

 

What kind of heat shield are we talking about? I have a similar problem and was never able to get solid answer as to what the problem is.

 

Let me know if you fix the problem my car does the same.My motor spins over fast so it cant be heat soak.

 

I would try the ignition module also. My Buddys old firebird would sometimes do that. after he replaced it, no problems. if that don't work, then i am also stumped.

Also, you might try checking your Security system. I have found that sometimes it gets triggered for no reason and will not let the car start. (if it happens, turn the key on, if the security light stays lit, then you know what your problem is)

I figured it out on my buddys camaro, after watching him turn the key on, the security light should come on and then go back off, if it stays lit, then its worth checking.

 

I've had my ignition module go out so many times. And I have the same problem of driving for a bit, try starting the car again and nothing. Always in the hotter months of the year too. 15-20min later, it starts fine. Test the selinoid first, and get a heat shield, if that doesn't fix. Look into getting another ignition module...don't get it tested because it will just pass even if it's bad.

 

I'm PRETTY sure the starter will still spin with a bad ignition module. Just won't fire.

 

You'd figure. But after I changed mine, it quit doing that. With the ignition module being bad, the starter doesn't even click, all you get is lights, and the fuel pump starts.

 

I am having the same prob, Its just my car clicks so I know the soleniod is working,
Just replaced the starter, battery and alternator last year as they were all bad, Just not all at the same time.

 

so I just post to keep my typing skills up to par

check the s terminal

 

I know this is way after this thread was started. but a starter solenoid relocation kit worked for my camaro. it relocates the solenoid near the air filter for better cooling. kind of like a ford

 

Heat shield info here.

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/tech...ike-start.html