Starter slow
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Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
From: Northern NJ
Car: 1987 Z28 Vert Special Edition
Engine: 305 TPI LB9
Transmission: Auto
Starter slow
Hey guys, so I have an 87 Z28 and when I first start it up it starts fine. Once it gets warmed up and I shut off the engine, starting up
is sluggish almost like there's a drain on the battery. Battery, alternator and starter are new. Was told it sounds like a timing issue.
Does anyone else agree or have any other suggestions? Thanks to all that reply.
is sluggish almost like there's a drain on the battery. Battery, alternator and starter are new. Was told it sounds like a timing issue.
Does anyone else agree or have any other suggestions? Thanks to all that reply.
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 16,916
Likes: 1,016
From: Mile High Country !!!
Car: 1967 Camaro, 91 z28
Engine: Lb9
Transmission: M20
Axle/Gears: J65 pbr on stock posi 10bolt
Re: Starter slow
Checking the timing with the est disconnected is easy.
You should be at 6 s tdc. If it was the timing it should crank slower (big down) engine cold.
sounds like starter heat soak.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 768
Likes: 32
From: Lansing, MI
Car: 1988 IROC-Z
Engine: 5.7 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.45
Re: Starter slow
Agreed, heat soak in the starter expands things increasing friction and also electrical resistance posing a bigger load on the battery.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 768
Likes: 32
From: Lansing, MI
Car: 1988 IROC-Z
Engine: 5.7 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.45
Re: Starter slow
Well, there is a lot of possibilities. Just giving you the most common issue based off your description. I have also seen ICM cause issues when they get hot as well, but if it runs normal after it get's started I wouldn't think that is an issue.
Hate to tell you, but not every starter or alternator coming off the the shelf at the parts store is created (or should I say re manufactured) equally. The parts stores can test them, the issue is getting them to test it as hot as it is setting on your car after it has been running.
I hope things have changed over the years, but back in the day I worked at a auto parts store chain. Lots of starters and alternators came back defective under their warranty period.
Hate to tell you, but not every starter or alternator coming off the the shelf at the parts store is created (or should I say re manufactured) equally. The parts stores can test them, the issue is getting them to test it as hot as it is setting on your car after it has been running.
I hope things have changed over the years, but back in the day I worked at a auto parts store chain. Lots of starters and alternators came back defective under their warranty period.
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 683
Likes: 19
From: Knoxville, TN
Car: 1988 IROC-Z
Engine: 350 TPI
Transmission: T56 swap ongoing
Axle/Gears: 2.77 9-bolt Posi
Re: Starter slow
I solved my issue with a gear reduction starter used on ‘89-up L98 Corvettes. Delco -Remy, just under $100 from Rockauto, brand new, not rebuilt Three years, an no further issues, and I drive mine several times a week. My son also uses the same starter in his ‘87 El Camino, and has had the same experience.
You also will need different starter bolts, but otherwise, no modifications are needed.
You also will need different starter bolts, but otherwise, no modifications are needed.
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 4,185
Likes: 576
From: Meriden, CT 06451
Car: 84 TA orig. 305 LG4 "H" E4ME
Engine: 334 SBC - stroked 305 M4ME Q-Jet
Transmission: upgraded 700R4 3200 stall
Axle/Gears: 10bolt 4.10 Posi w Lakewood TA Bars
Re: Starter slow
That is why the engine cranks fine when cold and slowly when the starter is hot. Headers really close to the starter really add to this problem.
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