Starter Solenoid ?

[George Z]

06 8.1 starts every time cold. After running engine to temp. on restart the starter may not turn over when key is turned the first one or two times. Then it will turn over and start normally. Wiring and connections seem tight, What do I chase next, solenoid, starter, or ignition switch?
Thanks in advance for the opportunity to benefit from the wealth of knowledge available from the members of this forum.

[Max Hubrich]

George--

I had a solenoid failure several years ago.

Here is the thread I wrote up at that time.

Beware- you'll need a special #6 female, DEEP SOCKET, 1/4" drive, Torx set bit to replace the starter solenoid.

I can't speak exactly to your problem because mine was dead from the "gitgo" in the morning.

Some folks have had success by tapping on the Solenoid.

You might trace you "negative" Chassis battery cable to it's attachment point on the chassis, unbolt it and clean up the connection, and see what happens. Also carry a spare solenoid along with you and the very special #6 "female, deep socket, Torx set bit". Harbor freight sells them in a set.

I carry two spares with me now-

Good luck,

[JimM68]

Most likely the starter is getting "heat soaked"
These generally don't get better, they get worse. In the old days, I would replace the solenoid (genuine Delco only) sometime the bendix, and clean and lube everything in the starter...

These days, Napa stocks a very nice universal fit chevy gear reduction heavy duty starter for not a lot of money.

Give them the correct year and tell them it is a pickup truck with a 454, and they will bring out the right starter.

[liteship]

Hi

I think i have occasionally the same problem turning over the starter motor. If i am going to take it out what is the best way to do the job and what tools do i need. lying on my back looking at the starter there wasnt much room to get at the connections.

Whales

[speed racer]

I had this same problem and this last summer it finaly refused to start. After a complete system check I found the small wire on the solenoid had rusted and lost connection. When I went to remove it for cleaning the stud broke off. At the time I couldn't locate a part# for a solenoid and had to buy a new starter. I have been told sense then that the solenoid for a 6.2 will work but I don't know for sure.

[speed racer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by liteship Hi I think i have occasionally the same problem turning over the starter motor. If i am going to take it out what is the best way to do the job and what tools do i need. lying on my back looking at the starter there wasnt much room to get at the connections. Whales

The starter is probably the easyest thing on a workhorse chassis to get to and unless you have a large lift anything you do under it is done lying on your back.

[George Z]

Just received a new solenoid off Amazon for $25. Will replace this week and see if that corrects the problem. If not the starter will go to a local rebuilder to be checked, but I think the problem is the solenoid. Thanks everyone for your help.

George

[Max Hubrich]

Where are ya 'ole friend?

We need an update-

Cheers

[George Z]

Solenoid has been changed and we took a camping excursion for Halloween. No problems starting several times in a row while warmed up. Only gray area is that it that it was 30 to 40 degrees with 3 to 4 inches of snow. Going to reserve a successful conclusion until use in warmer weather which will let the starter get hotter.
George

[max49]

If you have a P-32 and it skips a beat again, if you have not already did this, I would guess this might be the problem.

Oemy's Web Site - DIY Projects Ignition Switch Fix

Mine used to, occasionally, just do nothing when I twisted the key to start it and after 2 or 3 more tries it would just start the engine and work perfect. Since I put the new switch and relay in, it's never glitched again in about a year and half; knock on wood!