Starter Issue

[CudaJon]

Hello to the Group!

Please forgive for this long winded message but I feel I need to show history.  Recently I purchased a 73 Cuda, with a stock 340. No modifications that I can detect on the engine - it does have headers. Just got it on the road almost 3 weeks ago. This summer is the 'shake down cruises' as far as detecting issues and putting a priority on them. First thing I noticed is the initial crank of the engine. There is one turn, a delay and then it starts. Went to Pep boys and determined the battery needed replacement - they test the battery for free - 45 min test.  GREAT! replaced the battery - problem solved. Well installed the new battery and the cranking is noticeably better and I'm happy. Yesterday drove the car for about 20 minutes got a ice cream with the misses so the car sat for 20-25 minutes before starting it. Went to start it and the cranking sounded very different plus it would not turn over, finally there seem to be a moment of silents and finally it just started but not the usually way it starts cold- like a good crank and starts. It was a low cranking sound??  no clicking from the starter however. 

So I'm thinking heat seems to rule the day on the starter system. Got home (another 20mins) after our little trip and immediately turned the car off and then started the car. Started with no issues. OK well maybe it's not the heat so then I waited another 20 minutes to duplicate what happen before. Sure enough, the car had a very bad time starting indeed, almost the same characteristics as I descripted above.   

I'm not a mechanic so I'm big time lacking in this area,  but my thinking is to start replacing things up to the starter before replacing the starter itself. I'm just looking for feedback as to how to attack this issue. Thanks for reading!!!!

[734406pk]

Great info! It sounds like your starter motor may be getting "heat-soaked" after 15-20 minutes. The exhaust headers may be the cause. There are aftermarket heat shield blankets available that may help, or a new high torque "mini starter".

One brand of heat shielding starter wrap:
http://www.summitracing.com/search/part-type/starter-heat-shield-wraps/product-line/dei-versa-shields?SortBy=Default&SortOrder=Ascending&autoview=SKU&ar=1

Here is a link for an MSD starter, there are many other brand choices as well:
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/msd-5098/overview/

[CudaJon]

Thank you Andy for your review!

"Heat soaked" is a fitting term for this. Do I need to remove the starter to wrap it and then re-install or can I perform the wrap by manipulating the shield in between the block and the headers? Should I replace the wiring too or do you feel this is good? Thank you again BTW

[dfrazz]

To do it right, remove the starter to wrap it.  Make sure your wires are not close to the headers.  Another alternative is swap out a mini starter especially with headers.  They are smaller so more room and have more torque than stock so they start quicker.

[CudaJon]

Thanks!

I'm reading the forum on removing starters and it does not sound pretty with headers. May need a garage that deals with muscle cars to perform the work $$ Pretty sure my back would not cooperate if I was to attempt this. I will get underneath however and check the obvious. Look for wires as suggested close to the headers and also tighten anything I can get my wench on. Thanks!

[Chryco Psycho]

I would chek all the connections as well as looking at battery cables for green death rot , having everything clean & tight is a good thing , if you are going to pull the starter have it load tested or just replace it it may be getting weak / old too , if you have headers often a mini starter is much better you ccan get them from a local wrecker cheap from a Dodge ram with a V8 , replace the contacts for around $5 & you are good to go

[734406pk]

Thank you Andy for your review!

"Heat soaked" is a fitting term for this. Do I need to remove the starter to wrap it and then re-install or can I perform the wrap by manipulating the shield in between the block and the headers? Should I replace the wiring too or do you feel this is good? Thank you again BTW

  Insulate your starter from exhaust heat and go from there if necessary. Try sliding the heat shield with the starter in place. You may need to disconnect the collector and loosen header on the drivers side to gain enough access. Drain a few gallons of coolant out of the radiator first. It's your call on the wiring. If it looks original or compromised, change them while your under there.  Good Luck and post back if you need more info: