89 camaro doesn't start

[malletslinger]

Here's the skinny...
My 89 Camaro RS(2.8 V6) is having a starting issue that I cant seem to pin down.
Here is what happens, when I park after driving for a while(especially with city stop and go) my car doesn't start back up when I want it to. It doesn't turn over, the starter doesn't even click, but other than not starting, my car seems to respond normally to me turning the key to on.
The weird thing is the problem is much more persistent when I leave the radio or the vent system on when I turn off the car. Infact, if I leave either/both of those things turned on and go in to a class, when I come back out 2 hours later, the car still wont start, but if I turn those things off and try again 20 mins later, it starts right up.
This problem doesn't happen when I start the car for the first time of the day, even if the radio is on, it will still start in the morning.

When I doesn't start, I can leave the key turned to on and cross the starter with a screw driver and the car will start.
I have fabricated a heat shield to protect the starter from the heat of the exhaust manifold and the block, but this has had no effect on the problem.

Other info: I installed a VATS bypass 3 or 4 years ago and it still works fine so that isnt the problem. I rebuilt the starter 3 years ago and it tests good. Alternator is about 8 months old and recently tested good as did the battery.

Im at a loss and could really use some help with this.

[89Firebird2.8]

I hope you find an answer soon, mine has been doing it too, 89 Firebird with 2.8 v6. Last time it happened it left me stranded hours away from home after being pulled over for not having a front plate. I was using every foul word in the book at that officer after he had left. Not having a way to get to the starter to cross it, i finally had to call somebody in the area that i knew to come give me a push start with his truck.

[malletslinger]

I used to have a bypass wired in to the starter. I had a push start button under my headlisht switch, and that worked great...but that is only a temporary fix for the problem and I want to fix it for real... Do you have any ideas 89Firebird?

[wrightz28]

Ignition switch or the purple feed wire to the starter's s-terminal.

[malletslinger]

Originally Posted by wrightz28

Ignition switch or the purple feed wire to the starter's s-terminal.

hey wright...been a long time.

replacing the ignition switch is something Ive been trying to avoid, but I will do it if I have to...
What about the purple feed wire??? I know it is tight on the starter--I just made shure they were all tight when I installed my makeshift heat shield-- what about the feed should I check?

[wrightz28]

Well, make sure the wire (coating) isn't melted and/or cracked causing a exessive resistance problem.

Since the problem occurs when things are left on and should not cause a power drain, it would seem as if the switch is partially in between RUN and OFF positions. You can try adjusting the switch, however a problem like this is usually bound to get worse down the line. The switch is relatively easy to replace. NOTE, when you drop the column, make sure that damn actuating rod isn't bent or sticking, they are known for problems too, but not like you are descrbing.

[malletslinger]

When I installed the heat shield, I did have to wrap one wire to the starter in electrical tape when I noticed that it was slightly exposed(some coating fell of while I was installing the shield).
I will look into an after market switch.

[wrightz28]

You know I'm talking the swtich at the base of the steering colum, not the lock cylinder...

[malletslinger]

Would a Duralast Ignition Switch be a good choice?
Does the brand really matter?
looks like 22.99 at autozone...

[malletslinger]

It took forever to install that f***'n switch. I was about to take it for a drive and see if this fixed the problem, but couldn't!!! not because it wouldn't start; but because for some reason, the metal bar between the lock cylinder and the ignition switch is kinda jammed!!!
I can barly turn the key... looks like I need to take it all apart again and figure out what is causing the problem in the morning.

This had better fix the problem............. ......otherwise I just might have to drive this car off a clif..Im shure it would atleast make a great coffin.

[malletslinger]

I took it all apart again and moved things around in there a little and now the lock cylinder doesn't lock up the way it did when I first finished, but it still doesn't seem quite right...I may adjust it again later on if I need to...

Now although Ive been driving the car around all day with the vent running and the stereo blasting with no starting problems I think the problem might actually be fixed; but I want to wait atleast a couple of days before I confirm that this has fixed the starting issue...

[wrightz28]

Originally Posted by wrightz28

NOTE, when you drop the column, make sure that damn actuating rod isn't bent or sticking, they are known for problems too, but not like you are descrbing.

You've been warned

Also make sure sure your headlight dimmer didn't take a little jog on you.

[malletslinger]

Oh, so that is what you ment when you said that... I did instintually make shure the dimmer was properly positioned each time I put everything back together though...

[malletslinger]

I need to adjust the switch again because it still isnt quite insink with the lock cylinder...but it works...

Here is the great news...... Wright was wright again this fixed the starting problem

I finally know that my car will start every time I turn the key.

[wrightz28]

shweeeeyt!