[Steves66]

I have been having some hot start issues. The 440 starts perfect when cold, but warm it will crank for maybe 2 revs very, very slow then nothing like the battery is dead. I replaced the battery and still the same thing. I have new 1 gauge cables pos and neg, starter heat blanket and shield. The starter is a Mini Power Master high torque about 5 months old. The battery is showing 12.6v, but while trying to crank the motor while it is hot and acting up the voltage drops to 8.5. Is this a normal voltage drop or has the starter gone bad already? I do have 2" TTI headers that one of the tubes is real close to the starter. Any ideas?

[T-bucket23]

heat soaked starter

[Steves66]

How do you recommend fixing the problem, new starter or maybe header wrap?

[Centerline]

I think I'd go with a mini starter. Small enough to clear the headers and stay away from the heat (they just don't seem to have a head soak problem) and those things have a boat load of torque. Went through two stock GM starters on my old 454 and finally switched to a mini and no further problems. Now that's all I use on my hemis or B/RB blocks.

[rj57]

He posted he has a mini starter on his car already.

Most heat soaked starter problems are because the solinoid can't take the amount of heat being put into them. Usually a new solinoid, new brushes, cleaning the armature solves any heat related problems.

Have you tried contacting the starter manufacturer and asking if they have any advice why their starter is acting like this at 5 months old?

[docvette]

Doc here,

Although I NEVER rule out a defective Component ..no matter how NEW it is..a Few things to try..

As Always, we Assume the battery is good, full charge, and you have cleaned and inspected battery cable and ground buss wiring for proper bonding...and all is good.

First, you may just want to get that mini checked for a freebie at Auto Zombie..If for nothing else..To RULE it out..

BE sure your Ground cable and Vehicle Ground buss system terminates at or very near the starter..and it's connections are proper and the gauge is correct. (sounds like you have addressed that issue also..)

Use Heat Wrap on the HEADERS (not the starter..) from as high as you can, to as far UNDER the car as you can..Then look for ways to direct moving air inside the engine bay..and toward the starter area, to evacuate engine bay temps (I sometimes use a Dryer Vent hose to force air at the starter from the front end..if looks are not an issue) Overall, it will run cooler in the area..

If you still have issues, then the next logical step would be a remote solenoid..Here is the layout:



If your not running points type ignition..disregard the "I" circuit to the coil..

This usually Cures any "Heat Soak" Issues..

Doc

[Centerline]

Originally Posted by rj57

He posted he has a mini starter on his car already.....

Right you are. Must have read it too fast.

[Steves66]

Thanks for the replies. No I haven't tried contacting the manufacturer. I guess I will try the header wrap. I have already wired in the remote solenoid. The starter itself is becoming heat soaked and causing problems. The wrap is the only thing I haven't tried yet. If that don't work it looks like I will have it load tested. This really stumps me, its starts very good when cold, and sounds like it has a dead battery when hot! Is it normal for voltage to drop to 8.5v while cranking when hot?

[docvette]

Doc here,

If you have taken ALL these steps , and properly done them, I would say the starter / Solenoid is trash..If under warranty, send it back, If not..get a new one (preferably , a better brand..)

Doc

[Steves66]

New mini starter, wrapped the header tubes at the starter location, fabricated a better heat shield, and now she starts when shes hot!

[docvette]

Doc here,

KEWL!

Glad to hear you got it fixed!

Thanks for posting back the fix..it may help someone else..

Doc