Starter Problem on the Sub

[76BBSub]

I started having a hot start problem last week on the '76 Suburban.  I figured the starter was probably pretty old anyway, so I yanked it and bought a starter remanufactured by AC Delco.  It included a new solenoid, and is the long-type, heavy duty starter just like the old one.  Well it's been on there nearly a week and has been giving me problems already.  When you drive the truck and shut it off for a just a few minutes, say about 5 or so, the heat buildup prevents the starter from turning over.  Today this happened at a convenience store, so I walked back inside and bought a liter of drinking water and squirted it all over the starter.  Turn the key, starts right up!

I've had hot start problems on several older vehicles, replacing the starter always solved the problem in the past.

So I'm kinda POed, since I paid extra to get an AC Delco instead of Brand X and now have this problem already...normally I recommend AC Delco stuff but now I am wondering...at least it's under warranty, but there goes about an hour of my time for the swap.

Needed to vent...

Jeff

[Torque Junkie]

Hey man, that sucks!

So what do you think you're going to do?  Get a different brand or replace it under AC Delco warrantee?

-Mike

[Kania2k1]

Jeff, had the same problem on the '68 in the pic below.  What you need is about a ? dollar part.  I'm assuming you have headers on the 'burb?  Well it's a started heat sheild.  Should do the trick.  Helped on the '68 and put on on the '70 before I finished the header install.  Hope this helps.

[bobs409]

Also, be sure your buying a "good" solenoid.  Cheap 'noids use a plastic like sleeve on the inside where as the good ones use a metal type.  (although I would think AC Delco should have the good one, ya never know)

[76BBSub]

Kania2k,

I was thinking of adding a heat shield, they help.  What isn't right, though, is that a freshly remanufactured starter would do this within a week of installation.

Bob,

My thinking on the AC Delco was pay a little more to get a little more, maybe I was wrong...is there an easy way to tell if you've got the good solenoid?  Also, isn't there a Heavy Duty solenoid available from GM?

I'm going to go by the Car Quest where I bought it and ask them about it, and pick up a replacement

[bobs409]

I got this info from a very knowledgable person that works for a Chevy dealer.  I would think the AC should be the good one though.  I believe you would have to remove the solenoid and look inside to see the liner.  Sorry, I really never did one before so I have no tips on how to do this.