1964 Chevelle 350 Starts Intermittently

[jen10001]

Got an old 1964 Chevelle with a newer 350 crate engine, and having some issues re-starting it after its been running for any amount of time.

It will start no problem on the first crank, runs just fine to wherever you want to take it and park it, but if it gets turned off, it won't turn over again for 20-30 minutes. Once I've waited the requisite 20-30 minutes, it'll turn over and start again no problem.

So far, I have replaced the starter/solenoid, battery, and in-dash ignition switch.

To reiterate:
It cranks, turns over, and starts without issue on the first try
It won't even turn over again (no crank) if its been turned off after any amount of idling/driving
Waiting 20-30 minutes seems to miraculously cure the condition

Although I enjoy tinkering, I'm not a mechanic and have replaced what I think are the "usual suspects". Any ideas out there?

[72chevelleOhio]

Headers? Starter getting heat soaked?

[mdcamaro]

Do you still have power to the rest of the car? Lights, radio, horn?

[Dozierr]

ah if it turned over without a hitch i would have said it was a crank sensor but id check your compression's you let it idle alot with the headers off? heat does alot of things to metal id check your compressions to see if you spot on.

Other then that its hard to say, i wouldnt say its ignition problem due to the fact that it starts "all" the time when cold.

[highlandlake]

Originally Posted by 72chevelleOhio

Headers? Starter getting heat soaked?

X2
This is my guess of what the is problem too.

[bobss396]

Do you have a HEI distributor or a conventional one that needs an external coil?

Old coils are notorious for breaking down when they're hot, once they cool off they're fine. If you have one, try to mount it off the engine and up on the firewall where it'll be cooler. Swap in a "known" coil to test the theory.

Ignition modules in HEI distributors can do the same thing. In either case, the fix is cheap and easy to do just to rule them out.

Other cheap things to check are grounds, battery cables and terminals. Also get a charging system check which will show if the starter is putting too much of a draw on the battery. Which always is worse when its hot.

If you have headers, try some heat wrap on the pipes that are closest to the starter. There are aftermarket solenoids which are more resistant to heat.

Bob