A problem we often hear about in the hot rod world is hot starting, or rather not starting, issues.  If your Chevy engine doesn't want…{"id":5817,"date":"2014-10-01T14:08:00","date_gmt":"2014-10-01T21:08:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.pomonaswapmeet.com\/blog\/?p=5817"},"modified":"2014-11-19T10:36:58","modified_gmt":"2014-11-19T18:36:58","slug":"tech-tips-from-capps-hot-rods-hot-start-issues","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pomonaswapmeet.com\/blog\/2014\/10\/01\/tech-tips-from-capps-hot-rods-hot-start-issues\/","title":{"rendered":"Tech Tips from Capp’s Hot Rods: Hot Start Issues"},"content":{"rendered":"

A problem we often hear about in the hot rod world is hot starting, or rather not starting, issues. \u00a0If your Chevy engine doesn’t want to start when it’s hot, there are two things that could be causing the problem: a faulty solenoid, or poor or inadequate wiring.<\/p>\n

To determine the culprit, start by jumping the studs on the solenoid.\u00a0\u00a0If your engine cranks, the solenoid isn’t the problem… so it’s probably the length, gauge or quality of the wire that runs from your ignition switch to the starter.<\/p>\n

Your next step is to check the terminations at both the ignition switch and the starter to make sure they’re in good condition, with no fraying or deterioration. \u00a0Be certain that the connectors are crimped on properly and have no visible corrosion. \u00a0If they\u00a0appear to be good, the next step is to examine the wire.\u00a0\u00a0Is the gauge proper for your application?\u00a0\u00a0Generally, you’ll want to have a 16 gauge wire.\u00a0\u00a0When it comes to wiring, it’s imperative not to cut corners. \u00a0We use and recommend American Autowire’s<\/a> quality high heat and abrasion resistant XLPE wiring, which withstands temperatures from -60\u00b0F to +275\u00b0F.<\/p>\n

Next, trace the wire and look for any visible damage.\u00a0\u00a0Follow its path and check for any kinks and\/or abrasions.\u00a0\u00a0This sort of damage can seriously lower the ability of the wire to carry current.\u00a0\u00a0The final step is to check the length to make certain it isn’t longer than necessary.<\/p>\n

If you spot any of these issues, repair or replace using quality wire.<\/p>\n

Of course, if you jumped the solenoid and the engine didn’t crank, your problem may just be the solenoid. \u00a0Starter heat shields may\u00a0help preserve your starter and solenoid, but not everyone has good results. \u00a0A better solution to common solenoid issues is to add a remote Ford solenoid to control your GM solenoid. \u00a0Let me explain how a solenoid operates and why the remote solenoid is a good solution…<\/p>\n

On a GM solenoid, the winding is fed through a resistive lead to the starter through an ignition switch.\u00a0\u00a0This results in 12 volts being applied across the solenoid winding.\u00a0\u00a0As the current in the lead increases, so does the voltage drop on the lead going to the solenoid, which results in less voltage to the winding.\u00a0\u00a0It’s alright when the solenoid is not hot. \u00a0But when the solenoid gets hot, it draws more current in the lead from the switch to the solenoid winding resulting in less voltage across the solenoid activation coil.\u00a0\u00a0Now the solenoid will not close the contact to the starter motor, nor will it engage the pinion gear.<\/p>\n

\"This

This diagram shows how to wire in a Ford solenoid on a GM vehicle.<\/p><\/div>\n

With a Ford solenoid installed remotely, it solves this issue by applying a full 12 volts across the GM solenoid winding \u00a0This results in proper operation and engine cranking, and solves an all too common problem with Chevy powered hot rods.<\/p>\n

\"Capps<\/p>\n

With over 40 years of combined restoration experience, Capp\u2019s Hot Rods rebuilds and restores Model As, Deuces, \u201933s and up, classic cars of all makes and models, and muscle cars. \u00a0Located in Woodland Hills, California, Capp\u2019s specializes in complete wiring services, from repairs to complete harness installations. \u00a0Visit their\u00a0website<\/a>\u00a0or call 818-974-7530 for more information, or to schedule an appointment for your classic car.\u00a0 You can also find the Capp’s team at the Pomona Swap Meet on Road 22, Spaces 22, 24 and 26.<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":null,"protected":false},"author":98,"featured_media":5824,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[805],"tags":[693,687,688,1787,435,55,1782,1788,912,13,812,1789,200,1785,1786,1781,1780,683,1790,1791,691,1783,1784],"class_list":["post-5817","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-classic-tips","tag-american-autowire","tag-capps","tag-capps-hot-rods","tag-car-wont-start","tag-chevrolet","tag-chevy","tag-classic-car-wiring","tag-classic-car-wont-start","tag-electrical-problem","tag-ford","tag-gm","tag-heat-shield","tag-hot-rod","tag-hot-start","tag-hot-start-issue","tag-hotrod","tag-solenoid","tag-starter","tag-starter-heat-shield","tag-troubleshooting-electrical-problems-with-classic-cars","tag-wiring","tag-xlpe-wire","tag-xlpe-wiring"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t