I have a 1974 GMC sierra (454 1/2 ton). It has 88,000 original miles, and its been rebuilt. Through the winter I let it sit for a while without starting it regularly. Last week I tried to start it and it started once in a while. The engine was turning really slowly then it would stop all together and the starter would tick as if it were failing. A year ago I replaced the starter in this truck because a similar problem, so this engine is known to burn through starters(I have headers). Now this weekend I did something I have been meaning to do for a while , which is install a "high torque mini starter". Before I installed the starter I installed a new battery, and battery cables. I went to start the engine and it turned over relatively smooth, so I figured I solved the problem. But then after I ran it for a while and it got upto normal operating temp (which is about 140-160)I cut the engine and tried to start it and once again...starting problems....damn. Engine turning REALLY slow.
My truck runs great besides the ignition problem.

Is this problem due to HEAT SOAK( on the solonoid), or is this problem due to the fly wheel expanding once the engine reaches operating temp, or both?

Any suggestions? <img src="confused.gif" border="0">

[ June 03, 2003: Message edited by: b5three ]</p>

I've had the same problem with the GM "heat soak". I put a high torque mini starter on and it cured the problem. My advise...install a ford solenoid. It's cheap and an easy fix if heat soak is the cause of your problem.

I had the same symptom with my 383 Chevy. It started fine cold, and barely cranked when hot. I even burned out a mini-starter. It turned out that I needed to shim the starter slightly to counteract the heat expansion of the flywheel starter ring gear.

I just added the Ford solenoid to my '49 Chevy Truck (350/350). I've had a few Chevies over the years that have had the same problem. Go to: <a href="http://www.madelectrical.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">www.madelectrical.com/index.shtml</a>
In the Catalog area he has a "Start 'em Up" kit that will provide everything you need to fix this problem. Also lots of great info in the "Tech" section. I'm not a salesman, I've just learned an awful lot from his web site and just want to pass it along. I've just installed his "New System" and am very impressed with his product. Check out my album for picks of the install.
Hope this helps and doesn't sound too much like an "Info-mercial"
Ed

Hey, Ed

I see you did the headlight relays a suggested by MadElectrical ... what's your opinion of the results??

PS - That's quite a rake you got goin' on!

I just lowered mine ... it was nearly as extreme as yours, but it was making my camber settings too far off ... how are YOUR camber settings?

Alan Horvath
<a href="http://AlanHorvath.com/54chevy/" target="_blank">54 Chevy Pickup</a>

Hiimed; good informative site Ed with lots of tech and tip articles. A lot of this info could or should be put in the Knowledge Base.

Installing ford solonoid question:
do you link the battery and start terminals from the starter mounted solonoid to the ford solonoid?

Appreciate the replies
Brian

Horvath-
The relays work great. I don't know if they are better then before because I'm just getting the truck together and this is the first time I have turned the lights on. Same with the suspension. I put the Mustang front end in and haven't gotten to the rear end yet, although I think I like the rake. I finally got all of the lights working so now I just have to get it licensed and I'm ready to Rock.

Ed,
Thanks for the art work.