Heat Shield for Starter

[David H.]

Re: Heat Shield for Starter

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

And the answer is......?

[Joe L.]

Re: Heat Shield for Starter

And the answer is......?

Dave------


The "final answer" is remote (slave) solenoid. The hot re-start problem is the primary heat-induced starter problem. Otherwise, the heat doesn't really cause other significant starter problems. I suppose in the long term it might reduce the life of the starter by a small amount but that's really not a factor for us now the way we use these cars.

[David H.]

Re: Heat Shield for Starter

Dave------


The "final answer" is remote (slave) solenoid. The hot re-start problem is the primary heat-induced starter problem. Otherwise, the heat doesn't really cause other significant starter problems. I suppose in the long term it might reduce the life of the starter by a small amount but that's really not a factor for us now the way we use these cars.

Joe,

Thanks, your posts are ALWAYS very helpful. I appreciate the information you provide us. You ought to gather up your posts and make them into a book!

Dave

[Noel B.]

Re: Heat Shield for Starter

I guess I'll purchase a heat shield and see if it helps. To be honest I am surprised that heat induced starter issues are so common in old Corvettes. I bought a used 66 Chevrolet (283) in Michigan when I was a college student and put over 100,000 miles on it. Eventually sold it in California and I don't remember ever touching the starter or the associated wires. I've had my 66 Vette for three years now and have replaced the starter twice and had to replace the solenoid wires to keep the electrical system from shutting down. Seems weird.

[Duke W.]

Re: Heat Shield for Starter

There's probably enough room in a full size '66 Chevy engine compartment for two small blocks. The Corvette engine compartment is relatively cramped so there is little room for air circulation. The A/C equipment makes it even worse and PG generates more heat than a manual, and heat kills wiring.

A 327/300 with PG should idle at about 500 in Drive and the exhaust manifolds should be no more than about 500F. If they are higher there may be a problem with the spark advance map. A dead or incorrect VAC is a common problem, so instead of mid-20s total idle advance, it may be less than ten - just the initial timing value. This will raise EGT and manifold temperatures by several hundred degrees, which substantially increases radiant heat transfer to nearby items like the starter motor/solenoid and associated wiring. The heat shield will reflect much of this heat and keep the starter solenoid cooler.

What's the data stamped on the installed VAC. The modern functionally correct replacement is stamped B26. I can't recall the full OE number right now, but partially it's MS XXX 16, and it should provide a maximum of 16 crank degrees advance at about 12".

If you have a vacuum gage of any kind, including a Mity Vac, can you take a idle vacuum readings, idling in Drive with both the A/C compressor engaged and not engaged?

X" @ XXX RPM idling in Drive, A/C compressor off
X" @ XXX RPM idling in Drive, A/C compressor engaged.

Duke

[Noel B.]

Re: Heat Shield for Starter

Thanks Duke. Wow - lot's of information here. I'll start checking these items and will report back when ready. I don't have a vacuum gauge but can borrow one.

[Jeff S.]

Re: Heat Shield for Starter

I always thought that stamped sheet metal device functioned as a splash or debris shield. Made some modifications to mine years ago to mitigate heat impinging on the solenoid when I was having hot start difficulties ('66 327/300 with p/g). Fabricated and attached an 'extension' piece that provides better coverage. Then, lined it with foil faced insulation material. Pictures are not great, but you get the idea.

[Ralph E.]

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

Thought I said try Mr. Gasket #3678
Also Summit Racing or Moroso

[Noel B.]

Re: Heat Shield for Starter

Duke - I'm not sure what I'm looking for. I don't see a part number on the vacuum advance Assy at the distributor. Here are some photos of the area. I notice that there is an "open" vacuum port on the carb - not sure what goes there...thanks!

[Gary J.]

Re: Heat Shield for Starter

You will need to pop the distributor cap off to read the #'s for the vacuum advance.

[John H.]

Re: Heat Shield for Starter

Noel -

That's not a Corvette carburetor in any way, shape, or form, so none of the fuel or vacuum connections are going to match up to the engine - what's stamped on the front side of the choke air horn on the driver's side?

[Noel B.]

Re: Heat Shield for Starter

Thanks John,

Here are some more photos. Since this is not an original motor I'm not sure where the carb came from.

[Noel B.]

Re: Heat Shield for Starter

More photos of Holley card on 66 327

[Noel B.]

Re: Heat Shield for Starter

One more photo - thanks for your guidance.

[Noel B.]

Re: Heat Shield for Starter

Here's the LIST number