8.1 starter dilemma

[stearn]

Last fall I had the starter replaced with a NAPA , before leaving for the winter. We only made two stops before the starter died. Using our good sam emergency road service, they couldn't get a Napa replacment for the defective one, so the new one installed came from Car Quest.( NAPA made good when we got home) So from Indianapolis Ind. to Az, and back to MI, approximatily 4400 miles, and am having the same thing happen again! Lucky for me it did it in my driveway. I wonder if something else could be creating this problem? I have loosened and cleaned the battery posts and the other ends that are going to different posts below the fuse panel. I might add the starter problem shows up on a hot engine, and will start if I tap it with a hammer while DW turns the key.

[Billieg]

Sounds like the armature is getting too hot and hanging up. early corvettes with big blocks had this problem so GM put in a piece of alum. with insulation on it between the starter and block. Your org. starter may have had some kind of insulating cover on it and the replacements don't. Good luck.

[Wayneey]

You might want to post this issue on the Workhorse Custom Chassis Motorhome Forum, Workhorse Custom Chassis Motorhome Forum - iRV2 Forums. Lot of good knowledge among the members!

Wayne

[falcor]

Had one of these for many years. I replaced the starter several times. Heat from the exhaust is the cause for overheating the starter. Even with the GM heat shield installed it only lasted about a year. I put a heat shield from Jegs Racing Parts on and it last for the last 2 years I owned it. You can order them on line. That, with a lifetime starter from one of the popular auto stores should keep you pretty secure. DIY change out only takes about 20 min. Did it once sitting at a gas pump at Super America in Louisville, KY. Good luck.

[Triker56]

My old 454 had the hot start problem.
Replaced it with a Mean Green starter that CW sold & installed at the time.
No more problem after that.

I don't know why the 8.1L 06 is not listed. Maybe you have a 05 engine in your MH.?

[George Z]

Just starting to have an occasional problem with my 8.1 starter. Spins over great when cool but after an hour or more running, if I try to restart, sometimes the starter will drag. Wait 2 minutes and it spins right up. Starting to check grounds and other connections first then possible starter replacement.

[stearn]

Thanks to all of you for your help! I called a Chevy dealership, and they have a lifetime starter warranty. I know I will feel better with an original factory replacement.They have to install the starter for the warranty to take effect. However I did order a heat wrap shield from Jegs. When I get it home I will put the heat wrap shield on. I was thinking that if I split the hose that was installed by WH to cool the plugs, maybe cool plugs and starter? I probably should have posted on the WH forum, but I thought WH might not be the only one with this problem. I do wonder if WH might have an electrical situiation that could be causing the starter to go bad? Most all I have asked suggest starter getting to hot. One thing is for sure I don't like crawling under that beast with a hammer in hand!