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Headers installed now starter problems

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Old Jun 20, 2008 | 07:48 PM
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Default Headers installed now starter problems

I just installed my headers and now the car hesitates to start? I don't think the headers are all that close to the starter what could be causing it?
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Old Jun 20, 2008 | 08:01 PM
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Are all your spark plugs connected correct.
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Old Jun 20, 2008 | 08:16 PM
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yeah it runs fine could i just need to get some starter wrap? maybe it is getting heat soaked?
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Old Jun 21, 2008 | 12:45 PM
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or could just be an old/bad starter that can't "deal with" the added heat
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Old Jun 24, 2008 | 10:33 PM
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It just doesnt make sense how it starts a few times good then once in a while it takes 3-4 cranks to do so. Possibly burn up part of the starter? I don't know i migh just buy that lingenfelter shield or some wrap.
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Old Jun 24, 2008 | 10:45 PM
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Adding headers is not going to make your starter go bad and adding a heat shield will notdo a damn thing.
Either the starter is crapping out on you (and not header related) or your plugs/wires are having some bad contact somehwere. Im betting on the wires not making good contact.
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Old Jun 25, 2008 | 02:08 AM
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im guessing u have bad or loose grounding to ur starter, or the battery to starter connection
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Old Jun 25, 2008 | 11:39 PM
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I'm going to have to check those items. I was thinking about the wires and stuff everything connected well but i think i may have forgot to put some of the dielectric grease on the plugs would that possibly cause it?
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Old Jun 26, 2008 | 12:45 PM
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Maybe get a look at the starter cables too. I've noticed, somehow, that one of my solenoid wires has damage to the wire itself and will ground out and spark off the starter body. I haven't had starting problems yet, but I just keep my eye out for it. I have a blanket on it too, just for piece of mind.
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Old Jun 27, 2008 | 07:04 PM
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Yeah i will have to check the starter wires and all the wires for that matter near the headers. But thanks to the rain and thunderstorms everyday here in ohio i havent had much of a chance to check much of anything. Can the lack of backpressure from the cats not being there and the more free flowing exhaust cause it to not want to start right? Or does it maybe need tuned for the headers?
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Old Jun 28, 2008 | 02:15 PM
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It's definetly something in the ignition. Im going to just take all the wires off put em back on and try it again. If that doesn't work i will try the old wires and see if that fixes it and just go from there.
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Old Jun 28, 2008 | 03:18 PM
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did u change plug wires and sparks when u did the headers?
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Old Jun 28, 2008 | 04:23 PM
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i had some clearance issues with my starter wiring and mac headers.
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Old Jun 29, 2008 | 08:24 PM
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Originally Posted by themack56
did u change plug wires and sparks when u did the headers?
Yeah i got the tr55's and msd wires. As far as i can tell there were no clearance issues with wires. the headers went right in very easy. It seems that the car doesn't want to fire.
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Old Jun 29, 2008 | 08:31 PM
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did u accidentely crack a plug with the header install?
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Old Jun 29, 2008 | 08:38 PM
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Is the starter not turning the engine or is it just not wanting to start?
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Old Jun 29, 2008 | 09:40 PM
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It turns but it seems that it doesn't want to fire. Sometimes it just fires right up and sometimes it takes a little time to do so or a few trys. I don't think i cracked any plugs when putting in the headers but who knows. Wouldn't it run a little ruff when its running if i did? It runs fine once it starts.
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Old Jun 30, 2008 | 07:28 AM
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Sounds like a fuel pump to me or a clogged fuel filter....
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Old Jun 30, 2008 | 08:23 AM
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did you remove the starter when you installed them?
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Old Jun 30, 2008 | 07:24 PM
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Originally Posted by 98 Z28
It turns but it seems that it doesn't want to fire. Sometimes it just fires right up and sometimes it takes a little time to do so or a few trys. I don't think i cracked any plugs when putting in the headers but who knows. Wouldn't it run a little ruff when its running if i did? It runs fine once it starts.
As long as its cranking fine its not the starter. As stated try replacing your fuel filter, its cheap and it will rule it out. Fuel problems can be at times misidentified as ignition problems since they will both give the same symptoms.
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