94 Regal won't start when hot

94 Buick Regal 3.8 L
I've just recently purchased this car so I don't have long term history but the previous owner told me about this problem. Occasionally when hot this car refuses to crank. I had others tell me it could be the starter so I've replaced it although with a junk yard unit. That hasn't resolved the problem, it maybe even worse now. The other day when hot it stopped abruptly and wouldn't crank. I still have other electrical functions when this happens, i.e. head lights, horn etc. but it won't turn over. After cooling down it starts right back up. Any ideas?
Thanks!

Welcome to AF, ok do you mean the starter will not engage at times? The engine stalled, then it would not crank or it cranked but would not start?

Thanks for the welcome. No, it won't crank at all. The starter doesn't do anything. No clicks, no nothing. I has only stalled on one occasion but I haven't had it long. It usually just won't start when hot, only once has it died after running. Once cool, it will restart. As i said above, I replaced the starter with a junk yard unit and I have a hard time believing the replacement has the same issue so I don't think the starter is the problem.

What is the voltage on your battery if it is under 11volt this is your problem.
Did you spill antifreeze on the battery cable ends if so clean. Check the voltage at the starter if it drops to 8 volt this is your problem.
Use an amp gauge and see what kind of amps the starter draws.
Can you roll the engine over with a 1/2 inch drive long ratchet when hot?

Had same problem 3 times. Car went dead after I parked. Had chimes and daylight lights, but wouldn't start.This ia a notorious problem.
Take out the neutral safety switch (behind tranny driver side sort of triangular shape) ,4 nuts, and clean it up REAL good inside. The contacts mostly. Use that dialectic goop or silcone to seal edges after you've dismantled.(NO goop inside near copper, my mistake first 2 times lol) dismanlting is 3 little "hooks" on edge,bend them out.

I almost guarentee this is your problem, and a really easy cheap fix to eliminate the matter.

Thanks Dreager,
I'll check it out. I have a ford mechanic friend who suggested the same thing but he isn't that familiar with GM stuff. He suggested I just replace the switch saying they aren't that expensive. Is there some reason you recommend cleaning it instead or are you just frugal.
Thanks again!

Don't give da bastids an inch lol....frugal, and I get a kick outta seeing it work after.
Either way is fine. Long as you know, they are trouble, you know where to look next time you got electrical problems :)

Okay, I guess I don't know what I'm looking for. From a parts retailers on-line, I found a part described as the neutral safety switch that says it attaches to the steering column and I thought I was looking for something on the transmission.

I see there is some electrical device essentially under the shift lever on the tranny. I thought that might be it, but the part listing has me confused now. The piece under the shift lever does have a wire harness going to it...

Is that the piece dreager? :banghead: