[Slowride45]

Hello all,
I have a 90 camaro RS 305, and it has recently began to NOT start when it gets hot. I've changed the starter...three times, and it still continues to NOT start when it gets hot. I have checked (with a light) the wires at the starter, both switched and non-switched. everything seems to be fine. I did have an old key switch and thought that maybe the VAT system was just doing its job, but it continues to act up. Does anyone know if my car has a starter relay? I don't think it does, but I'm not absolutely sure. I haven't changed the ignition switch (yet).... All your thoughts, ideas, and/or solutions are VERY welcome...Thanks.

[docvette]

Doc here,

Do you have headers? sounds like a bad heat soak problem..next time try to jumper the "s" to the big bolt on the solenoid and see if it cranks..If not, its heat-soak...If so, check you wire/battery connections.

Doc

[Slowride45]

Hey Doc, Yeah I did think it was 'heat soak' but the funny thing is, Its worked fine for as long as I can remember....many summers. Then all of a sudden it started acting up, I thought the starter was going out so I changed it...the car started right up, then after driving it for a few miles I try to turn it back on and .... nothing... not even a clicking sound. After a little while (10-15 min) it'll start no problem. I did changed the positive wire post clamp. Would the ignition switch act up like this? Is there a relay that may be going bad once it heats up, that would kill the power? Could it be as simple as a whole new power cable?

[rrmccabe]

Slowride,

You really have not said yet about what happens when it wont start. Click but not turn over? Nothing?

Weak ignition switches can do this because they are not passing enough current to start it when the the starter is hot.

But dont even consider doing anything until you have tried to bump start it in the manner Doc suggested. If it starts you will know the high current components and solenoid are OK.

So do that and then we can tell you more.

Rich

[Slowride45]

Well, after further testing it turns out it was the starter. I hooked up a remote starting button directly to the solenoid and nothing happened...no click...no turn over. I tested the wires going to the solenoid, and everything checked out well.
Could it simply be that these remanufactured starters from Pepboys suck? This last one that I've installed seems to be working fine.
I feel like it's a gamble with these things...
Thanks for all your help

[Deuce]

Originally Posted by Slowride45

Could it simply be that these remanufactured starters from Pepboys suck?

YES.....they suck.......



Buy a NEW reduction gear starter.............and no more issues.....

.

[Slowride45]

Thanks Deuce. Are there many different teeth sizes of fly wheels for Chevy small blocks? And if so, what number of teeth does my flywheel have when I buy the reduction gear starter? 90, Camaro,305, VIN-F. Is there only two main sizes, 153 and 168?

[37Chevy4dr]

I agree about remanufactured starters. I always have the guy behind the counter bench test it before I buy it no matter who I buy it from. One time I went thru 3 (reman.)starters before I got one that worked.

[celticangel07]

I had exact same problem w/my 90 RS 3.1. Turned out to be starter silinoyde(sorry about spelling). Replaced it with NEW AC Delco starter and that was the end of it.

[TechnTool]

When you put the new starter on, install a heat shield around it. Many chevy starters came with shields, and lost them when the starter got replaced. The heat shield is available at Pep Boys also. Good luck