VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND NEWER 1965-1970 '68 starter problem

I bought a restored '68 Chevelle SS396 early this year. It's been running fine but I have starter issues: when the engine is real hot after driving and I turn it off, I try to restart it after a short rest and the starter will not turn over. Also, I live in Texas and it's been super hot for about a month now.

I've been told it's the solenoid getting too much heat from the exhaust header. I bought an insulation wrap for this and installed it. It's been a little better, but it still has times where it has to cool before it will crank.

Any ideas on other things I can do to solve this problem?

There is also a metal heat shield that can be installed. That might help as well.

JD: Can you give me any more info on this heat shield? Thanks, Bill

It has been years since I have seen one on a car...but basically it is a metal shield that goes between the starter motor and the engine block, and it curves over the top of the starter.

Go here:
http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Aluminum-Heat-Shields-for-OEM-Chevy-Starter,1900.html

http://www.summitracing.com/search/...elds/make/chevrolet/engine-size/5-7l-350

Thanks so much!

You bet and I hope that the shield cures your problem.

I've owned a few big blocks over the years. I have seen a standard starter installed rather than the high torque starter. If you look at the end of the starter where the tab comes out of the main case and has a hole for the screw into the solenoid you should see no spacer. If it has the spacer in it you have the low torque starter and should replace it.

I'll take a close look at that. Thanks for the tip!
Happy Motoring!

A high torque starter with a metal heat shield would be the best way to go.

It's the solenoid, if you are not running headers you don't need heat shield. I have big blocks and have had the same problem in the past. The problem was a cheap foreign made solenoid, most of them are foreign made junk in the last 15 years. Try to locate a Standard Ignition solenoid, there is reason why they cost $30 plus. That car should have a heavy duty starter a standard equipt, problem is most rebuilders use the cheap junk. Who would ever think Made in Mexico would be the better option..... Try finding an American made clutch, just went through that

I've installed a Standard Motor solenoid. Everything is working much better. I've got a heat shield but I'm not going to install it if I don't need it. Thanks to everyone for your help!

Happy Motoring!

Glad that you have the problem corrected!