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Headers make starter too hot after short drive

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Old 05-19-2013, 06:49 PM
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Headers make starter too hot after short drive

After about a 20 minute drive if I turn the motor off I need to let the starter solenoid cool for 20+ minutes before I can restart it because it sits right next to the hot headers. I know I could put a heat shield on it but I think I would rather get a better starter that can handle the heat. Does anyone have a starter recommendation as I am not too familiar in this area.

1989 Iroc-Z
Old 05-19-2013, 07:14 PM
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Re: Headers make starter too hot after short drive

I ran a mini high torque race starter but i also had high compression motor, it was just a house brand like $130.
Old 05-19-2013, 07:26 PM
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Re: Headers make starter too hot after short drive

Did this just start happening? Sounds like a bad starter. They do make starter shields to help keep heat away also.
Old 05-19-2013, 08:40 PM
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Re: Headers make starter too hot after short drive

Originally Posted by ninetyone
Did this just start happening? Sounds like a bad starter. They do make starter shields to help keep heat away also.
Im 90% sure this only started happening once the headers were installed lol
Old 05-19-2013, 08:42 PM
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Re: Headers make starter too hot after short drive

Check with Summit racing, i think they sell starter sheilds or even heat wrap to protect things like your starter.
Old 05-19-2013, 09:31 PM
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Re: Headers make starter too hot after short drive

ive made starter heat shields out of welches grape juice cans. just an idea to save you a few bucks. headers wrap might be a good idea too?
Old 05-19-2013, 11:04 PM
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Re: Headers make starter too hot after short drive

I also used heat shield tape on the front. Also good to 2000* blocking 90 percent radiant heat.
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/acc..._&target=shelf
My problems with heat soak are gone.

Last edited by Ron U.S.M.C.; 05-19-2013 at 11:21 PM.
Old 05-20-2013, 11:57 PM
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Re: Headers make starter too hot after short drive

I used the foil faced blanket type and covered the whole starter. I am using a stock starter next to SLP 1.75 tubes. Time for a new starter now, after 9 years. The wrap will get brittle, so when installing new, just go right over the old one and double up.
Old 05-21-2013, 01:23 AM
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Re: Headers make starter too hot after short drive

Originally Posted by ninetyone
Sounds like a bad starter. .
A well documented Chevy starter problem
http://www.streetrodstuff.com/Articl...tart_Problems/
http://www.chevyhiperformance.com/te..._no_start_fix/

The fix
https://www.thirdgen.org/solenoid
Old 05-21-2013, 10:11 AM
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Re: Headers make starter too hot after short drive

Why not fix the problem that is making the headers too hot.

Headers should never get hot enough to bother the starter.

Putting a bandaid on doesn't seem right.
Old 05-21-2013, 04:38 PM
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Re: Headers make starter too hot after short drive

I had a similar problem with mine about a year ago, started getting harder and harder to re-start after the car was driven, the starter progressively got worse over time too until it finally wouldn't start at all.
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