1989 Chevy Suburban

7 posts 4 contributors 1,530 views

Member since May 2011
13 posts
Guys Mills, PA, USA

Jul 23, 2011 at 5:58 AM

Hello, I have an '89 suburban with 454 bigblock. the starter does not do well at turning over the engine when it is hot. if it cools down some, then it will start. Any suggestions as to what happens here? also, any remedies? it appears to be heat-related...seems as though I have heard of this problem in other GM trucks, and maybe even some GM cars. thanks in advance!
B.

jwar1127

Member since May 2009
47 posts
lauderhill, FL, USA
1 vehicle in the registry

Jul 23, 2011 at 7:11 AM

How old is the starter? Dose the cars temp seam to be normal? It maybe the starter showing its age if this problem just started.

wizzard1222

Member since Jan 2011
139 posts
Ballwin, MO, USA

Jul 23, 2011 at 8:53 AM

I have had the starter become weak when the engine heat transferred toward the starter...some vehicles have heat shield around/between the engine & starter...

As mentioned by "jwar1127" the starter might be showing "usage & age"...

The battery might also be a factor...?

Have you had AZ (autozone) or other parts store checked your battery, starter or alternator?
They can do these system checks fairly quickly w/a short visit....

Hope this has been helpful....Let us know of your progress...

edited Jul 23, 2011 at 7:09 PM

jdmeaux

Member since Jan 2009
525 posts
Lafayette, LA, USA
1 vehicle in the registry

Jul 23, 2011 at 4:06 PM

Some places like AutoZone can check your battery, alternator, and starter real quick and for FREE. Because of the proximity of the starter to the exhaust system, Chevy started adding a heat shield to the outside of the starter to help, and the heat shield does help. Some performance cars will also use them to create a air gap t help keep the starter cooler.

Go to AutoZone and get them to check it out. If the strater is going bad, replace it and add a heat shield. Summit Racing is a good place to get a good heat shield.

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bozofaceOP

Member since May 2011
13 posts
Guys Mills, PA, USA

Jul 23, 2011 at 7:19 PM

thanks so much..I am sure this is what is wrong. there is nothing wrong with starter or with battery. the starter is not exactly new, I realize, but this is not something that a relatively "new" starter should be doing. heat shield it is!

bozofaceOP

Member since May 2011
13 posts
Guys Mills, PA, USA

Jul 23, 2011 at 7:20 PM

thanks alot. i have ruled out the starter..it is just not that old. I have also ruled out the battery, for same reason.

bozofaceOP

Member since May 2011
13 posts
Guys Mills, PA, USA

Jul 23, 2011 at 7:21 PM

oh, almost forgot..the engine temp is normal.

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