Heat Shield for Starter

[Noel B.]

I recently had to track down an electrical problem that would stop my car just like I had turned off the key. With help from this forum and a wiring diagram my mechanic and I were able to locate the problem. The wires at the starter solenoid were damaged by engine heat - I guess the resistance in the wires was very high. We spliced in new wires and so far trouble is gone.

I noticed that you can purchase heat shields or blankets to protect this area from heat. Is this a good idea? I have a 66 roadster with a 327/300 (air and power glide). The starter and solenoid are new.

Thanks.

[John L.]

Re: Heat Shield for Starter

noel
does your car have the stock shield installed? , many got discarded..... part no. 3851295 which Chevrolet called a splash shield but did provide some protection.

[Duke W.]

Re: Heat Shield for Starter

Was it originally delivered in California in which case it would have (or had) the K-19 emission control system that included an air pump? The engine code with Powerglide and K-19 is HR.

Duke

[Noel B.]

Re: Heat Shield for Starter

I don't have any heat shield. The car is originally from Texas and does not have an air pump.

[John L.]

Re: Heat Shield for Starter

I'll try posting a pic from my phone
happen to be working on car at this very second
pictures upside down sorry I am on my back

[Ed S.]

Re: Heat Shield for Starter

I'll try posting a pic from my phone
happen to be working on car at this very second
pictures upside down sorry I am on my back

John, am curious, what year is your car & what engine / options do you have. I have a '64 L76 (no air) and recently learned (from reviewing the AIM) that it should have a heat shield. I ordered one from Paragon but have not yet installed it.

For anyone that cares to comment - are the aftermarket / vendor supplied heat shields for SB C2 (and in my case Paragon) the same as the originals? Will they pass judging? Do they perform as intended? I have a bit of difficulty restarting the engine when it is hot (around 200 F) - but it has never totally failed to fire. Just cranks a bit longer and am wondering if the heat shield will resolve this. And yes, from reading other threads about hard starting I am aware that there are a bunch of things that could cause this - timing to be one of them.
John

[Gary R.]

Re: Heat Shield for Starter

I used a heat wrap in the past with my 69. Problem was also with the wire ends and previous connection repairs. My 72 doesn't have a shield or a problem.

[John L.]

Re: Heat Shield for Starter

The shield mentioned is called out as all,except BB, from 64. - 72 (and likely later). The picture is '65 250 base with 4 sp and radio...

[Alan D.]

Re: Heat Shield for Starter

Have 64 L84 -- same as John, mark on metal & bolt marking with script "M"

[Joe R.]

Re: Heat Shield for Starter

Here a pic of two shields and brackets.

JR

[Noel B.]

Re: Heat Shield for Starter

Thanks guys. It looks like I can purchase one from Ecklers. Looks the same but no black paint.

[Ralph E.]

Re: Heat Shield for Starter

Thanks guys. It looks like I can purchase one from Ecklers. Looks the same but no black paint.

Not for anything, but the heat shield for a Camaro works a lot better. You might want to take a look at one. Think it may be a "Mr Gasket".

[Ed S.]

Re: Heat Shield for Starter

Noel,
So I assume you are considering Eclker's shield, part #:25-102710-1. That item looks different that Paragons' heat shield for a SB, part # 1453 (and GM Part Number: 3851295). I am assuming that the Paragon item replicates the OEM item since it has a GM #.

Can anyone comment? Does the Eckler part work as good as or better than the Paragon item? Will the Paragon part pass judging? Obviously, Ralph's recommended part (Camaro heat shield) should also be considered in functionality is the top priority.

[Joe L.]

Re: Heat Shield for Starter

The shield mentioned is called out as all,except BB, from 64. - 72 (and likely later). The picture is '65 250 base with 4 sp and radio...

John-------


There were several slightly different starter heat shields used over the 1964-82 period for small blocks.

Big blocks got a heat shield beginning sometime in the 1968 model year and continuing right through 1974. This was a stainless steel shield.

These shields all help somewhat but they are not a complete answer for heat-induced starter problems.

[Noel B.]

Re: Heat Shield for Starter

Ralph,

Functionality is good for me. I'm tired of problems in this area. Where can I get the Camaro part? Will it fit easily?

Thanks,

Noel