66 gto help

[goatherder]

i need some help figuring out a problem with my 66 gto.when i start it and run it for awhile and then shut it off,if i try to start it back up right away it won't turn over.starter hasn't got a heat shield and i was told thats the problem but i recently put in a new starter and heat shield and it still does the same thing.any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

[GTP Dad]

Welcome to AF!!

You don't say how long it takes before you can restart the car. If you have to let it cool down until everything is cool then you probably have a starter issue. If not then I suggest you check the alignment of the starter with the flywheel and the mounting surface. It is possible that the heat of the engine is causing expansion and moving the starter only slightly to the point where it binds and will not turn over. Even a small amount of movement can cause this and the starter won't turn.

Also check the solenoid. If you changed the starter but not the solenoid you may have an issue there as they will deteroriate with heat too. Good Luck.

[myoldgoat]

get a mini starter and forget about it. Summit or year one or Ames will have them. Cost about 200.00 but you'll never have a starter problem again.

[Ztrain]

Stick a couple of shims between the starter and the block.As long as gear doesn't grind your o.k.
If you suspect the starter,short of a mini starter get one from a 70 455GP.They are the ballsiest factory starters out there.

[the70judge]

Had simular problem with my 70 , and I did everything and it was a hot start problem.. Never did figure it all out but after a new starter, shimmed properly!! and I purchased a new front engine harness because the wires were just so old and hard. Now no problems for years!! Happy again!!

[bocoogto]

This is a common problem with Pontiac V-8's. Your GTO needs the heavy duty Pontiac starter, which can be identified by a longer bolt from the solenoid to the starter body. The low performance starters have this bolt flush with the solenoid body. Also, buy an 800 or higher cold cranking ampere battery.

The tip above about shimming the starter

[the70judge]

Your right, as the one with the spacer for the longer bolt has 4 windings in the field of the starter when the other regular starters have just 2 of them. The heavy duty starter is the way to go!