Re: Sluggish starter (especially when hot)

Sergio Dimarmo (iwander(at)ibm.net)
Wed, 05 Aug 1998 09:42:58 -0700


Alwezthnkn(at)aol.com wrote: >
> I'm sure this subject has been covered in prior discussion threads.
> Unfortunately I have only been reading the listing since October of 97.
>
> The symptom I am experiencing is lack of cranking power after the engine has
> been running (hot) and is shut down. The engine hardly turns over....and I
> often have to wait 3-10 minutes before I can get the car started again I
> replaced the starter last weekend with a reconditioned starter from a local
> auto parts store. Exact same problem still exists. The engine turns over and
> starts fairly reasonably when cold.
>
> The way I figure it there are a few possibilities.
>
> 1) Insufficient battery amperage. More torque and amps required when the
> engine is hot and the compression is higher.
> 2) Poor battery connections and or bad ground.
> 3) A problem with the field windings in the starter which is amplified when
> the starter is hot. Just because I bought a reconditioned starter doesn't
> mean that the field coils are any better in it than the one I took out of the
> car.
>
> I checked 1&2 and feel I have good connections and a strong battery. What do
> you guys suggest as a next step before I spend more time and $$?
>
> I find it hard to believe it would be the starter solenoid! Any comments
> would be appreciated.
>
> Thanxs,
>
> Bob Flak ( Hoping my car doesn't die in traffic and if it does I'm pointed
> "downhill")

Bob, make sure your engine ground strap is making a good connection. This is the only source of good ground for your starter. This was a problem on my Series V but a new braided ground strap did the trick.

-- 
Sergio
1967 Sunbeam Alpine
Series V 'AJNT 86'
still working on it!

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