Community Forums

ROMANICHEL · 08-20-2010, 03:48 PM

I am having this problem !!!!
After running a few hours, my 454 GM (Winnebago) won't restart without turning the ignition key 2 to 4 time, could it be the starter getting to hot?
It always restart but I am scare that maybe one day it won't !!!
It always start first time when cold or after one hour of driving, it only appened after a couple of hours of driving
Thanks for your help
Mike

JimM68 · 08-20-2010, 04:30 PM

Mike, does it not crank over, or does it crank but not fire?
Really need more info with this one.

ROMANICHEL · 08-20-2010, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimM68

Mike, does it not crank over, or does it crank but not fire?
Really need more info with this one.

No crank at all, only a click, like when your battery is dead.!!!!
Click once, click twice, then it starts,

Our Time · 08-20-2010, 04:48 PM

If it is not turning over or turning over very slowly, have the start battery tested for a dead cell.

ROMANICHEL · 08-20-2010, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Our Time

If it is not turning over or turning over very slowly, have the start battery tested for a dead cell.

Not turning at all New battery, same result.
Mike

Gary - K7GLD · 08-20-2010, 06:44 PM

That, or an overheated starter/solenoid from the exhaust manifold right next to it - common problem, or, solenoid internal contacts badly eroded or pitted - often this occurs when the starter itself is still in very serviceable condition, in which case it is NOT necessary to replace the whole starter, but only the bad solenoid.

I've rejuvenated several of these GM solenoids by simply disassembling them, dressing down the pitted copper bolt head contacts with a file - and turning over the large spring loaded solenoid contact washer to use the clean undamaged reverse side - no big deal, and the starter has to come off anyway...

ROMANICHEL · 08-20-2010, 07:17 PM

Thank you Gary, I will try cleaning the copper bolt,
I will have to wait for the next long drive to see the result,

bachler · 08-21-2010, 10:44 AM

I had that problem;; What I seen was the coach builder did NOT put a metal shild in between the wheel and engine And when the fan blow the air movement back it hit the front of the engine and went out the side to the wheel insted of going back to cool the manifold and of course the starter that is tucked up under the starter.; I put sa shild to revert the air back and the engine started all the time and seemed to run cooler.. Some manufacters had a piece of rubber in there that fell out after a year of so. Life is so good;;

homelesshobo · 08-21-2010, 10:59 AM

I had the problem in my truck. Solved that when I found the battery cables were old and getting hot.

bigskymt · 08-21-2010, 11:04 AM

I had the same problem with my 454 after I installed headers. I finally installed a heat shield to protect the starter. Problem solved.

ROMANICHEL · 08-21-2010, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigskymt

I had the same problem with my 454 after I installed headers. I finally installed a heat shield to protect the starter. Problem solved.

What type of heat shield did you installed? was it to isolated your starter?
Thanks for your help
Mike

Gary - K7GLD · 08-21-2010, 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROMANICHEL

What type of heat shield did you installed? was it to isolated your starter?
Thanks for your help
Mike

It's usually a carefully cut, bent and fitted piece of sheetmetal located between the adjacent exhaust manifold and exhaust pipe, and the starter, to isolate the starter from the intense heat of the exhaust system - which often glows red-hot when the engine is under heavy load.

That heat so close to the starter, can create enough expansion of the starter internals as to actually bring the armature of the starter into contact with the field plate, dragging or locking it up solid until it cools.

If yours doesn't have such a heat shield, adding one would be a good idea - I can probably provide a pic of mine if it would help...

ROMANICHEL · 08-21-2010, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary - K7GLD

If yours doesn't have such a heat shield, adding one would be a good idea - I can probably provide a pic of mine if it would help...

I can pitchure what you mean, but It would certainly help a great deal if you could provide me with a photo,
Thanks again.
Mike

bigskymt · 08-21-2010, 06:09 PM

Mike: my first attempt was with an old license plate fashioned on the road. It helped. After returning home I made one and attached it to the starter. A few modifications later and I had solved the problem completely.
I had a few friends that purchased them from custom car parts places and also JC Whitney.
Hot and dragging starters have been a big block GM problem for years.
If you google 'GM starter heat shield' you'll get several hits.
good luck