The judging manuals for both years says small blocks had a heat shield but big blocks did not. Can anyone tell me why not? What can be done to prevent a driven car from the "no start" condition on very hot days? Thanks as always.
-
-
Re: 66/67 BB starters
Rick----
I don't think that anyone could tell you on good authority why 65-67 big blocks did not have the solenoid shield, but I strongly suspect that it's because the problems associated with solenoid heat soak didn't get addressed until the 68 model year. Like everything else, problems are discovered, engineering "solutions" developed, and mechanical improvements made over time. The 68-74 shield, GM #3943647, is of stainless steel construction, but was discontinued quite some time ago. A good reproduction is available from Paragon and others for about $25. There is no reason that you could not use this shield on your car EXCEPT the "originality" factor.
A less visible modification which you could make is to change out your solenoid plunger return spring to GM #1978281. This spring is supposed to work much more effectively under hot start conditions, although I am not convinced that it is the ultimate answer. In my opinion, the "ultimate answer" to hot start starting problems is the installation of a "slave solenoid". Obviously, this is not an original configuration, either, but it DOES solve the problem. I had hot restart problems in my 69 small block from the day it was new until about 15 years ago. I was always terrified to shut my engine down for a quick stop on a hot day for fear that I wouldn't be able to start it again. Then, I installed a slave solenoid at the suggestion of an electrical technician that I have great respect for. I was leery at first. However, it's been in my car for 15 years now and on NO occasion have I had a hot restart problem. NOT ONCE. EVER.
According to General Motors, a slave solenoid is not supposed to be necessary. But, just in case, they make one for this purpose. It's GM #1114532.In Appreciation of John Hinckley -
Re: 66/67 BB starters
Rick----
I don't think that anyone could tell you on good authority why 65-67 big blocks did not have the solenoid shield, but I strongly suspect that it's because the problems associated with solenoid heat soak didn't get addressed until the 68 model year. Like everything else, problems are discovered, engineering "solutions" developed, and mechanical improvements made over time. The 68-74 shield, GM #3943647, is of stainless steel construction, but was discontinued quite some time ago. A good reproduction is available from Paragon and others for about $25. There is no reason that you could not use this shield on your car EXCEPT the "originality" factor.
A less visible modification which you could make is to change out your solenoid plunger return spring to GM #1978281. This spring is supposed to work much more effectively under hot start conditions, although I am not convinced that it is the ultimate answer. In my opinion, the "ultimate answer" to hot start starting problems is the installation of a "slave solenoid". Obviously, this is not an original configuration, either, but it DOES solve the problem. I had hot restart problems in my 69 small block from the day it was new until about 15 years ago. I was always terrified to shut my engine down for a quick stop on a hot day for fear that I wouldn't be able to start it again. Then, I installed a slave solenoid at the suggestion of an electrical technician that I have great respect for. I was leery at first. However, it's been in my car for 15 years now and on NO occasion have I had a hot restart problem. NOT ONCE. EVER.
According to General Motors, a slave solenoid is not supposed to be necessary. But, just in case, they make one for this purpose. It's GM #1114532.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
-
Re: 66/67 BB starters
Had pretty consistent starter heat soak problems with my '71 SB. Rebuilt starter motor (really needed it) and insured missing heat sheild was restored. While engine cranked more consistently and slightly faster after starter rebuild, a hot day and hot engine compartment continued to 'thwart' the starter.
Joe mentioned a different solenoid return spring. I have experience here. Found a 'good ole' boy who'd worked at Yenko Chevrolet. He produced (from memory) a GM service bulletin of the era calling out the lower force return spring as relief for customers who were experiencing starter heat soak problems.
Rummaged though his box of 'tricks' and produced one of these critters. Installed it and my problems have disappeared COMPLETELY!!! Question here is what do you get when you replace system components with items from a 'rebuild kit' that almost always includes a new 'fresh' solenoid return spring? Could you be thowing the baby out with the bath water?
My 'good ole boy' also recalled the GM service bulletin offering a 'poor boy' fix for situations where the new/improved return spring was unavailable. That was to remove the existing spring and cut 1-1.5 winds off one end. Seems to me there's not a lot to loose here in trying this 'fix' method....Comment
-
Re: 66/67 BB starters
Had pretty consistent starter heat soak problems with my '71 SB. Rebuilt starter motor (really needed it) and insured missing heat sheild was restored. While engine cranked more consistently and slightly faster after starter rebuild, a hot day and hot engine compartment continued to 'thwart' the starter.
Joe mentioned a different solenoid return spring. I have experience here. Found a 'good ole' boy who'd worked at Yenko Chevrolet. He produced (from memory) a GM service bulletin of the era calling out the lower force return spring as relief for customers who were experiencing starter heat soak problems.
Rummaged though his box of 'tricks' and produced one of these critters. Installed it and my problems have disappeared COMPLETELY!!! Question here is what do you get when you replace system components with items from a 'rebuild kit' that almost always includes a new 'fresh' solenoid return spring? Could you be thowing the baby out with the bath water?
My 'good ole boy' also recalled the GM service bulletin offering a 'poor boy' fix for situations where the new/improved return spring was unavailable. That was to remove the existing spring and cut 1-1.5 winds off one end. Seems to me there's not a lot to loose here in trying this 'fix' method....Comment
Comment