86 Starter Issues (I think)

[Jp-oh]

Hello, I have previously experienced the hot start, no-start after long drives where the starter solenoid will not engage the starter (turn key, all systems up but no starter). I had the car on a 3 plus hour drive yesterday and it was nice and warm out.

This morning I had the same symptoms but obviously the car was stone cold after sitting overnight; key on all lights nice and bright, can hear what I assume is the fuel pump, but no starter at all.

In the past as the car cooled the starter would come back to life. I didn't have time to poke around under the car as I had to get to the office. I'll crawl under and have a look tonight. in the past too there I had a loose wire on the starter so I give that a look and give the solenoid a tap or two.

Any other thoughts?

Thanks

[david.avrahami@]

I had the same symptoms several months ago....the yellow wire from the ignition to the engine compartment fuse box terminus had a short somewhere along the line (it is part of the 14 wires strand...). We chose to install a new yellow wire by soldering the beginning and the end and disconnecting the yellow wire on both sides of the strand...it took a long time to isolate this problem but it was solved.

[patz]

If stranded whack the solenoid to free it up. A further fix can be the addition of a hot start solenoid available from Pelican. Back in the day it was an old Ford part. Probably now something else. It's a band aid fix but mine has been reliable for the last ten years.

A new solenoid is also an option. They sell a heat shield but have never used one.

A rebuilt starter could be a more expensive option. Do NOT buy a reman from an outside source. They suck right out the box. Try and find an old school local rebuilder. They tend to be the better source as opposed to Manny, Moe and Jack.

There are NO new starters despite how they are labeled.

Good luck.

[T77911S]

the solenoid can also be "rebuilt".
you basically clean and rotate the contacts so good metal is making contact.

search my name and starter rebuild

[Jp-oh]

Aaanndd it decided to start this afternoon.

[patz]

Always does when cold.....

[Jp-oh]

Originally Posted by patz

Always does when cold.....

Except this morning after it had been sitting for over 12 hours. Stupid car.

[patz]

Again, whack the solenoid like a redheaded step child.

[Jp-oh]

Originally Posted by patz

Again, whack the solenoid like a redheaded step child.

It's not easy to get a good line on it unless the car is raised but next time it wont engage I'll get the tire iron out like it owes me money.

Most of the time it doesn't get hot enough to strand me but the drive to the lake is 3 hours and it seems to be almost a sure thing after that trip.

[patz]

Back into a space that is on a hill, pop the clutch in 3rd.

[david.avrahami@]

Re read my reply...the solenoid is not your problem...it is an issue when your starter is hot not when it is cold...my 2 cents.