Hot, hot won't start..

[hey mister]

Here's the scerino:
78 Big 10 350/350, original qjet, 2 row alum rad - 2 pullers. Wrapped headers flange to flange.
Occassionally...
Hot, hot day 90°+. Been driving an hour or so. Pull into gas station to fill up from 1/4 tank left. Turn everything off.
Fill up. Get in, put in key and turn to start.
Dash lights and buzzer come on. Nothing from engine bay. No click, nothing other than rad fans coming on.
Pop the hood, and let it set 15-20 minutes.
Try again and stsrts right up.
New ignition switch. Wiggling shift sel does nothing. Wiggling batt wires does nothing. Nothing seems loose. Coolant res at good level. Gauges do not show hot motor.

What component of the original mfg stuff is senesitive to hot, hot engine bay?
I have twin fans on rad, pullers. And headers are wrapped very well.

Any thoughts?

 

[Sad Sack]

Have you tried rapping on the starter while someone engages the key / starting switch?

 

[warrpath4x4]

while not directly relatable to heat, how old are the battery cables? if they have corrosion inside of them, they can play weird games

 

[Ricko1966]

If it's not clicking the starter solenoid is not getting power or is not working. Short solenoid large post to crank post,I use a quarter,most use a screwdriver some use a remote start switch. If that doesn't make it crank and you are positive your battery cables and connections are good,you need a starter. If that does make it crank we can post further diagnosis instructions.

 

[Chevy 88]

You probably need a starter, but more testing would be required to be sure.

I had a starting issue once.

I Installed a 1,150 CCA battery, but that did not solve the problem. (I had an extra one laying around)

This did solve the problem:

 

[YakkoWarner]

I like those terminals - I wouldn't mind finding a set of those for my British car project. At the moment I'm using the marine-style ones with the threaded stud pointing up, but that gets pretty close to the battery compartment cover. Having a side attachment would be safer I think but I've never seen those style terminals for sale at any stores I have access to.

 

[legopnuematic]

I like those terminals

If you are referring to the ones in the post above yours, they are called military terminals. That should help your search to source some.

I put 2 sets (dual batteries) on my ram and have no complaints. It's nice if they get cruddy they can be changed without having to mess with the cable ends, if they are still in useable shape.

 

[Chevy 88]

I like those terminals - I wouldn't mind finding a set of those for my British car project. At the moment I'm using the marine-style ones with the threaded stud pointing up, but that gets pretty close to the battery compartment cover. Having a side attachment would be safer I think but I've never seen those style terminals for sale at any stores I have access to.

3 different battery terminal kits available. $10 $14 $17
2 day free shipping.
30 day free returns.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07W72584Q/

 

[Ricko1966]

I like those terminals - I wouldn't mind finding a set of those for my British car project. At the moment I'm using the marine-style ones with the threaded stud pointing up, but that gets pretty close to the battery compartment cover. Having a side attachment would be safer I think but I've never seen those style terminals for sale at any stores I have access to.

These would give you more clearance

You must be registered for see images attach

I've used these just like marine style but using the bolts to hold down my eyelets

You must be registered for see images attach

Walmart carries the military style terminals

You must be registered for see images attach

And just for fun

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[YakkoWarner]

Thanks for all the tips!

I tend to forget WalMart sometimes has handy automotive stuff. I'll pop thru there this weekend and see if they have any at my local one.

 

[hey mister]

Have you tried rapping on the starter while someone engages the key / starting switch?

I have not.
I think I have a new starter hiding around here somewhere.

 

[hey mister]

while not directly relatable to heat, how old are the battery cables? if they have corrosion inside of them, they can play weird games

I forgot to post...
Battery is a 8 month old red top Optima.
Cables are original.

 

[hey mister]

In retrospect, it makes sense that it's the starter.
Because...my dad hsd a 73 (i think) Suburban and I can remember being on a camping trip and it being a hot day, pulling the camper,...stop for potty break...hop back in and nothing. Dad made me get out and hit the starter with a hammer...bang and she'd start. I did not rmember thst until someone mentioned "hitting the starter"....bingo.

I'm betting that's it.

 

[Chevy 88]

Tapping the starter with a hammer is a quick fix for worn out or stuck brushes.

Not starting when hot may be a different issue with the starter. Not sure a hammer will help with this, cut it couldn't hurt.

Either way, I would install the mini high torque gear reduction starter and heat blanket. Its a great upgrade, even for a truck with a good starer.
Cranks faster, the starter is smaller, its more reliable, and its SBC bling.

 

[Sad Sack]

In retrospect, it makes sense that it's the starter.
Because...my dad hsd a 73 (i think) Suburban and I can remember being on a camping trip and it being a hot day, pulling the camper,...stop for potty break...hop back in and nothing. Dad made me get out and hit the starter with a hammer...bang and she'd start. I did not rmember thst until someone mentioned "hitting the starter"....bingo.

I'm betting that's it.

Do good consistent raps, not the hey lets beat the snot out of it but a good non-denting rap on the starter body, not the solenoid. This indicates I believe that the armature is dragging and starter will need replace or repair. Just can't recall if solenoid was making audible sounds or not when it happened to me, was so long ago...