Attfay Elleybay

Dropped my son off at Karate, Went back out and the vette wouldn't start. Not even a click. It started 25 minutes later just as the tow truck showed up. I think the starter was hot even with the header blanket around it. The vette hasn't done this since I wrapped the starter, but for some reason decided to tonight. The $48 was because the tow truck showed up, it would have been $65 for the tow.

blue427

sounds like a bad connection,usualy a hot starter will turn the engine over slowly.

Eddie 70

My 79 did this years ago. One time on my way to work it did this at the gas pump. I had to call in to work and tell them my car would not start. I caught a ration from the guys when I finally got to work. I replaced the starter solenoid and never had the problem again.

JimT

A buddy had same problem. Bad Battery - internal (floating) short.

JIMS1970VETTE

could be that copper plated disc in the solenoid, from severe pitting, to the point there is no copper left to make a connection.

Attfay Elleybay

It started right up with no problems after 25 minutes. I think the heat from the headers caused it.

wcsinx

Doubtful

Like blue427 said, heat soak will usually manifest as a slow/weak crank. It's not so much an on/off thing like you describe. You have a loose connection or a bad solenoid.

Yeah, but when that happens the battery goes flat as pancake in a blink. He said it cranked up fine after a bit which would point to an intermittent connection.

1nicecorvette

doesnt sound like a heat issue . mine used to do the slow cranking due to heat deal it sounded like i was turning over a mach truck! the solinoid will do what you explained. die and come back to life and finally will just quit.............until you wack it with a hammer and it lasts for another week!

WillEE

Jumpering the solenoid on your starter and putting a Ford type solenoid where easily accessed and away from heat is a great fix for this common issue. The ford solenoids are only like $15 bucks and no longer have to get under the car should the solenoid fail. Mine has been in now for about 15 years.

speedreed8

our 79 has done that several times, it was the neutral safety switch, you could move the shifter into neutral and it would start, replaced the switch, problem gone. just fyi

Ak. Mal

If it happens again, hit your starter with something. If it starts, you've got a bad solenoid.

PatG

Heat soak will do this to a starter. Probably just the solenoid. When mine did it there was not a single click or anything when turning the key. Let it cool off and it fires right up. Replacing the whole unit fixed it.

SHAKERATTLEROLL

This is the way to go. You can get a kit from Mad Electric http://www.madelectrical.com/electrical-tech.shtml

Steve COSD

I think your problem is with the battery conections and most probably the ground cable. I have put a few post on the forum about this subject. Pay attention to the short cable in the front that goes from the frame to the starter support bracket and into the block. If the star washers are missing replace them as these are absolutely needed.
Good Luck

fhickey

Don't want to step on any toes but...I had the identical problem. And mine was very consistent. Every time I drove it. She would start with a jump. That told me the starter or battery. Well the battery was new. I replaced the starter and haven't had a problem since. The starter never dragged, only no click. I believe I would drive it around and get it good and warm, go to the house and let it sit about 1/2 hour and then when it doesn't crank try jumping it. If it starts, put a starter on there. JMO

fhickey

BTW. I replaced both cables, had the battery tested--twice, checked all fuses and connections I could find, and even looked into the neutral safety switch. If it needs extra juice to start hot, starter. Good Luck
Frank