First, thx for all the input to my previous posts RE: '89 RS 305 TBI starting issue! (Yeah, the one where your car won't start when it gets hot. )

Here's an update:

1. VATS has been defeated. It wasn't a VATS issue.
2. Ingition switch, relay - all electrial connections are good.
3. Tried jumping vehicle when it displayed the no-start-when-hot issue; jumping it worked approx 65% of the time; otherwise had to wait up to two hours for vehicle to cool, then it fired right up.
4. Replaced alternator and battery November 2012. Had ZERO no-start issues for about two months.
5. As we are getting to warmer weather, the no-start issue is getting worse again. It doesn't have to cool as long if I jump it, but it still has to lose some heat before it will go.

I am having a starter heat-shield installed this coming Friday. From what I've seen here, that should fix it. (Everybody knock wood!)

I've also heard that a "remote solenoid" solves the problem (how can a solenoid be separate from the starter?), and that a 4th Gen starter is smaller, less vulnerable to heat, and bolts right on -- any thoughts on these steps?

Thanks!

 

Sounds like the starter itself.

 

i had the same problem and mine actually died completely in the duty free at the boarder crossing, needless to say it was expensive for the tow when i should have just replaced the starter when it had troubles starting considering its a lot cheaper then that tow was. i went for a gear reduction starter, they have a smaller motor that keeps the solenoid farther from the headers thus keeping them cooler! my car would barely start on hot days before i got the new starter and now it fires instantly no matter the temperature!