Lately I've been having a problem w/ the starter engaging when it gets hot. The starter has been replaced once before (1998), and replaced again under warranty (last week). If its been running for awhile, making the coolant temp go to 220 (causing the fans to turn on), sometimes the starter doesn't engage, I hear it "click" trying to engage, but it doesn't engage. I have to turn the key 2-5 times before she actually starts. I'm really stumped on this. Do you think I got a bad starter?

 

I don't know. I had a similar problem but found it was the starter itself. Grab the wires for it and see if it wiggles any. The problem was where the cables bolt down to the starter. the screws for it did not go in deep enough. and so it seamed with heat stuff expanded and didn't connect right.

 

Battery could be going lame - have it load tested (Autozone or Advance or Pepboys should be able to do it for free)

Check the condition of the cables - positive and negative.

 

I heard my engine start several times, lately.
Yeah been hot out in SoCal lately. Yesterday was in mid 90's. Speaking with Sister in Ct. it was chilly/leaves changing color already. Lucky.
I knew my starting set up was good.
I went to battery.
Sure enough, the neg cable was slightly loose, as I recently installed a new battery. Tightened down and much better. IF I'm correct, my 85 car still has original starter from 1985, too.
Check the basics. MAKE SURE there are star washers where needed, too. Perhaps cleaning & double bolting some starter connections may be a solution, too.
IF your car is not molested by the wire harness rats, the connection corrections, may be the solution.
ALSO check INSIDE condition of battery connection cables.
You'll be surprised what corrosion occurs in there.
Knoweldge from living at Venice Pier for many years.
PS Be VERY THANKFUL you DO NOT OWN a 1968 Firebird w/400 engine.
I went thru about 4 starters on that car in two years of ownership. No, not little or light weight starters & way less ground clearence for changing

 

I ended up just putting an exhaust pipe sleeve around the pass side portion of the y-pipe. Gets hot? No problem!