heat soaked starter?

[AFI 05]

I think I've heard somewhere that it is common for 3rd gens.. BUT.. when i start driving for a while, especially when ive been in a little bit of traffic and i get to shut off my car.. i try to restart it and nothing. the starter doesnt even click.. THEN after it gets to cool down, it finally cranks up but it sucks cause sometimes i have to get somewhere and leave right away and im stuck.. is it time to replace my starter?? but in the mornings or on the first start up.. it does it like a champ and have no other problems other than this...

[blindeyed]

Yeah I've heard about that problem. Best thing I've heard to do would be either getting a heat shield for your starter solenoid and see if that doesnt help. If the problem persists then I'd try getting a remote mount solenoid and moving it further away from the engine so it can stay cooler. I'm pretty sure you can get a solenoid heat shield at any auto parts store. If you cant find any then heat wrap (like the ones for headers) should work fine just as well. You're worst case scenerio would be that you just got a crappy rebuilt starter that's finally giving out.. but that's really not likely.

[wrightz28]

Agreed, heat wrap for the starter or a 'mini' starter makes all the diff.

[instantkevin]

i disagree. while the problem can be the starter solenoid (especially if it has/had hot oil leaking/dripping onto it), i think its probably the iginition control module. Ive seen this problem many times and it happened to me.

it's inside the distributor. after it fails, when it gets hot, it prevents the car from starting until it cools back down. I would pull it out and have the auto parts store test it before you go replacing other parts. make sure they test it past the point where it gets hot. if you need to replace it, make sure you put the grease on the bottom of it, otherwise, it will burn up again and cause the same problem.

i still would add a starter solenoid shield... its a good idea and they dont cost too much.

[wrightz28]

Originally Posted by AFI 05

i try to restart it and nothing. the starter doesnt even click.. .

ehh, that said, I would disclude the icm

[AFI 05]

yeah i recently got my icm checked at it turned out to be good.. and yeah i havent changed the starter ever and i dont know if its ever been changed.. its probably on its way out.. im looking at some mini starters on summit..

[AFI 05]

ahh man theyre kinda pricey.. should I just go ahead.. get a new regular starter and heat wrap it AND put a shield?.. do autoparts stores sell the shields.. i ve seen em at summit but i hate waiting..

[wrightz28]

Meh, the stock has worked for 20 something years so,........

You might have to do a little selective shoping aournd locally, but surely there has to be a shop that carries em.

[AFI 05]

cool.. the only auto parts stores i like around are Napa and pep boys.. autozone is full of dumbshits.

[wrightz28]

worth a try, but you might have to get a little more aftermarket, but ya never know

[Morley]

You could try an LT1 starter, they are smaller.