Hot Start Issue - Need Help!
Hot Start Issue - Need Help! The engine turns over and starts fine when it's cold or cool, but won't turn over once it's hot. I'll turn the key and get a single "whurr" as if the engine just spun 1/4 revolution and then jammed up.
Diagnosis:
1) Connections
- Power and ground connections at the battery, starter, and alternator all seem fine and the battery does charge well when the engine is running.
2) Battery (Optima Red Top)
- I measured the static voltage at the battery to be 13V with lots of ground continuity to the strut tower.
- I had the battery checked at a local parts shop and it's putting out 718 CCA (rated for 720) at 70°F.
- I monitored the voltage at the battery during a hot start and it drops from 13V to 11V when the engine locks up.
Right now, I'm left with believing that it's a heat-soaked starter issue...but there's a kicker! If I have a jump start from another vehicle when my engine is hot, it'll start up just fine.
Any idea what could be the culprit here? Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Diagnosis:
1) Connections
- Power and ground connections at the battery, starter, and alternator all seem fine and the battery does charge well when the engine is running.
2) Battery (Optima Red Top)
- I measured the static voltage at the battery to be 13V with lots of ground continuity to the strut tower.
- I had the battery checked at a local parts shop and it's putting out 718 CCA (rated for 720) at 70°F.
- I monitored the voltage at the battery during a hot start and it drops from 13V to 11V when the engine locks up.
Right now, I'm left with believing that it's a heat-soaked starter issue...but there's a kicker! If I have a jump start from another vehicle when my engine is hot, it'll start up just fine.
Any idea what could be the culprit here? Any help would be greatly appreciated!
The starter is doing something in my case and there is no security system on the car - OEM or otherwise, so that wouldn't be my issue. Thanks for the idea though!
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,375
Likes: 5
From: Auckland, Nth Is, New Zealand.
What's saying that there is anything wrong with my current starter? For example, if the problem is something like heat soaking the starter solenoid, it would just happen again to any other starter I choose to install.
I would like to find the source of the problem so that I can address it properly.
I would like to find the source of the problem so that I can address it properly.
The headers are wrapped, but they do come pretty close to the starter. I thought that maybe insulating the starter might be a good idea as well but wanted to ask on here to see if anyone else had encountered similar problems.
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TECH Fanatic
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,375
Likes: 5
From: Auckland, Nth Is, New Zealand.
Kind of sounds like the starter is not throwing out the gear to engage the flywheel, It is most likely a starter issue. Get an auto sparky to check it. Replace it, heat shield it. Even look at a reduction starter, they are much stronger.
4 gauge wire from battery + to starter
4 gauge wire from starter to alternator
4 gauge wire from alternator to fuse box
The starter is an OEM LS1 unit (PN# 10465385).
