Starting problem

MyTGOAT · 08-05-2012, 10:43 AM

I have a starting problem on my 66 GTO. It starts fine when cold but drive it 10 miles stop and turn it off. Then try starting it right away and it’s dead. I mean nothing. Not a sound. As if there isn’t even a battery in the car. Then wait10 to 20 minutes and then it starts.
I have installed a new Optima battery. I installed a bigger starter and wrapped it to reduce over heating. I installed a new ignition switch. The only thing left I know of is the wiring.
Any suggestions?
66GTO@frontier.com

Mark B · 08-05-2012, 10:57 AM

Did you replace the solenoid?

REED_RACING · 08-05-2012, 04:17 PM

I think I have the same issue with my Trans Am. I haven't tried to figure it out yet. Going try working on it Monday.

Mark B · 08-05-2012, 06:07 PM

I remember this same problem back in the 70's and it was always a starter issue, either the starter itself or the solenoid. Always carried a hammer along in the summer to tap on the starter, sometimes it worked sometimes not. When the solenoid gets too hot it expands inside and reduces the clearance, making it tough for the electromagnet to work. When it cools down clearance increases and it's back to working. If it makes no noise at all when you hit the key the solenoid may be locked up. Try tapping the solenoid while someone hits the starter next time it's hot.

HOTROD64-STOCK69 · 08-05-2012, 09:22 PM

Before you go banging on things with a hammer, do a voltage test. If the solenoid trigger wire has voltage in the key crank mode then it could be overheated starter issue, but one of the battery cables could have a bad end on it and if it is the Positive on either end the alternator will keep the car running until you shut it off also. If the car has headers then a hot starter is even more likely. Do your diagnostics first because as I have just lightly touched on this subject it could be caused by many different factors. Mini starters are under $200 and a good investment for these cars, it also eliminates this issue. If your starter has a '3 pin' set up it may be more than just a swap FYI

Unknown_Authority · 08-06-2012, 11:42 AM

classic heat soak. get a mini starter. maybe get a 0 gauge battery cable made from interstate. works for me..i have the powermaster XS mini and both my gto's and they work great.

Mark B · 08-06-2012, 01:23 PM

We didn't have the advantages of mini starters back in the 70's.

Having a 4 speed really helped if you parked on a hill though.

ZBOO · 08-06-2012, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark B

We didn't have the advantages of mini starters back in the 70's.

Having a 4 speed really helped if you parked on a hill though.

Assuming you were pointed downhill.

REED_RACING · 08-06-2012, 06:32 PM

Had a spare starter off the Judge. Swapped the one out in the T/A and so far so good. I think I am ready for the Muscle Car Meet.

MyTGOAT · 08-17-2012, 09:45 PM

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. I'll check them all out. It looks like the mini starter could be my best bet (after checking the voltage).

08-05-2012, 10:43 AM	#1
MyTGOAT Passenger Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 3	Starting problem I have a starting problem on my 66 GTO. It starts fine when cold but drive it 10 miles stop and turn it off. Then try starting it right away and it’s dead. I mean nothing. Not a sound. As if there isn’t even a battery in the car. Then wait10 to 20 minutes and then it starts. I have installed a new Optima battery. I installed a bigger starter and wrapped it to reduce over heating. I installed a new ignition switch. The only thing left I know of is the wiring. Any suggestions? 66GTO@frontier.com

08-05-2012, 04:17 PM	#3
REED_RACING Almighty GTO Legend Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Somewhere out on the road. Posts: 1,028	I think I have the same issue with my Trans Am. I haven't tried to figure it out yet. Going try working on it Monday. __________________ 69 GTO JUDGE RAM AIR III 4SP 2ND OWNER 66 GTO HTP 474CID 54 Chevy old skool wagon 31 Model A 5 window 73 Trans Am 1 of 1420 (4 sp) 73 911 W.C.A for Life! Death By Pontiac AMERICANTORQUE.COM Drag racing. An adrenalin rush like no other. It felt like going into combat, tasting your first beer, and losing your virginity all in about 8 seconds.

08-05-2012, 06:07 PM	#4
Mark B NASA Experiment Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Seattle WA Posts: 730	I remember this same problem back in the 70's and it was always a starter issue, either the starter itself or the solenoid. Always carried a hammer along in the summer to tap on the starter, sometimes it worked sometimes not. When the solenoid gets too hot it expands inside and reduces the clearance, making it tough for the electromagnet to work. When it cools down clearance increases and it's back to working. If it makes no noise at all when you hit the key the solenoid may be locked up. Try tapping the solenoid while someone hits the starter next time it's hot.

Last edited by Mark B; 08-06-2012 at 05:52 AM.

08-05-2012, 09:22 PM	#5
HOTROD64-STOCK69 Almighty GTO Legend Join Date: May 2004 Location: Speedsville Posts: 1,379	Before you go banging on things with a hammer, do a voltage test. If the solenoid trigger wire has voltage in the key crank mode then it could be overheated starter issue, but one of the battery cables could have a bad end on it and if it is the Positive on either end the alternator will keep the car running until you shut it off also. If the car has headers then a hot starter is even more likely. Do your diagnostics first because as I have just lightly touched on this subject it could be caused by many different factors. Mini starters are under $200 and a good investment for these cars, it also eliminates this issue. If your starter has a '3 pin' set up it may be more than just a swap FYI __________________ Drive 'em like you stole 'em! HOTROD64 YS400/TKO 5 speed Custom Road Racer Speedsville Engineered 1969 GTO HT YS400/T400 stock, second owner 2004 GTO Phantom Black LS1/M6 Wrecked 2004 GTO Yellowjacket LS1/M6 1974 GTO builder (350/3 spd) hatchback 1 of 687 1974 GTO beater ('66 389/T350) hatchback 1 of 687 2006 2-cents award winner 2007 member of the year GTOAA member ALL AROUND TROUBLE MAKER W.C.A. For Life, Solo Speed Shop

08-06-2012, 11:42 AM	#6
Unknown_Authority Sound Barrier Join Date: Oct 2001 Posts: 631	classic heat soak. get a mini starter. maybe get a 0 gauge battery cable made from interstate. works for me..i have the powermaster XS mini and both my gto's and they work great. __________________ 2000, 2009 Member of the Year GTOAA Member 70 GTO 455 4-speed Conv / 1 of 158 Made W. C. A.

08-05-2012, 10:57 AM	#2
Mark B NASA Experiment Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Seattle WA Posts: 730	Did you replace the solenoid?

08-06-2012, 01:23 PM	#7
Mark B NASA Experiment Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Seattle WA Posts: 730	We didn't have the advantages of mini starters back in the 70's. Having a 4 speed really helped if you parked on a hill though.

08-06-2012, 06:32 PM	#9
REED_RACING Almighty GTO Legend Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Somewhere out on the road. Posts: 1,028	Had a spare starter off the Judge. Swapped the one out in the T/A and so far so good. I think I am ready for the Muscle Car Meet. __________________ 69 GTO JUDGE RAM AIR III 4SP 2ND OWNER 66 GTO HTP 474CID 54 Chevy old skool wagon 31 Model A 5 window 73 Trans Am 1 of 1420 (4 sp) 73 911 W.C.A for Life! Death By Pontiac AMERICANTORQUE.COM Drag racing. An adrenalin rush like no other. It felt like going into combat, tasting your first beer, and losing your virginity all in about 8 seconds.

08-17-2012, 09:45 PM	#10
MyTGOAT Passenger Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 3	Starting Problem Thanks everyone for your suggestions. I'll check them all out. It looks like the mini starter could be my best bet (after checking the voltage).

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode