Hi guys. Been putting a few miles on car since I got it. She starts great when cold(sitting for awhile) but when she is hot the starter sounds like the battery is dead. She has started every time so far. A 71 w/350 auto. In the opg cat. they have a upgraded solonoid kit for $50. Does anyone know if it is worth the money. Will the problem get worse.
Thx to all who reply

 

Sometimes corroded or bad connections at the battery and starter can cause this issue, as also bad cables and poor ground cable connections.

 

Might want to check IGN timing, may need to retard a few degrees. Good luck

 

Do a search here, this has been discussed many times.
Hot start is generally electrical or fuel related.
Electrically do a voltage drop test to narrow in on electrical problems. Primary and secondary cable deterioration (high resistance, oxidation) will cause this as well as bad connections, weak solenoid or starter. After testing and fixing all of that wrap the exhaust head pipe with a high temp blanket (18" long from Jegs) and install a mini shield on the solenoid. I use a Ford mini shield from the 70/80s era.

Fuel can be a major player especially with today's sheet gas. When the problem occurs look down the carb (with caution and safety glasses or a face shield) while actuating the throttle and you should see 2 strong squirts of fuel. If not then its fuel related.

Change the fuel brand. Run high octane with octane booster and install a heat isolator between the carb and intake. Test fuel pressure too. Any weak link will show itself at peak demand (in your case when hot)

If one (or both) of these is the problem, advanced timing will accentuate it. So rather than band-aiding the problem by retarding the timing which affects performance fix the above issues first.

Close this loop when you fix it.

 

I'd check with your local NAPA store to see if that's the same thing they carry. I used to buy HD solenoids from NAPA back in school when my car had hot start issues.


I saw this on the NAPA web site. Don't know how effective it would be but maybe it would help?
http://www.napaonline.com/Catalog/Ca...571_0373921324
Part Number: NOE 6561571
Product Line: NAPA Solutions
Contents : Heat Shield
$7.99 /ea

 

double check the engine to firewall ground also