No Power at Key When Hot!

[Tom 72RS/SS]

Here's the run down: 68 Camaro SS, built sbc, 4 spd. Bought the car late last year and only now had the chance to put some miles on it.
Car starts and runs great but after it runs for several miles and you shut off the engine, it will not fire. Nothing at the key: not even clicking and yet I have lights, horn, radio, etc. I might also add the battery is new with newer cables and running a mini starter. It's done this several times now. Once, I replaced the battery and thought it solved my problem, nope! When it happened again a few days ago I installed a new ignition switch and thought that had it, well apparently not. Came home from a cruise last night, shut it off in the driveway and when I hit the key a few minutes later to go into the garage...nothing. I tried to jump it, nothing. Push started it and it fired up. First thing this morning she fired right up like new again.
This is very frustrating, all electrical connections are tight and not touching any heat source, any suggestions?

[birdsandbowties]

i'll take a shot and say the starter solenoid is getting hot, cools off then it will start, try wrapping the starter with the heat wrap and maybe ? hope this helps, Jim

[Tom 72RS/SS]

That's what I was thinking. A buddy of mine has a brand new mini starter he's willing to give to me so that will be tomorrows project. I'll pick up some heat wrap for extra measure and see what happens!

[sam 74]

sounds like heat soak in the solenoid, i like to use a ford style remote solenoid to eliminate that problem.

[Tom 72RS/SS]

Got the new starter installed last night but still have to drive it around and try to duplicate my starting problem. Hope it's gone for good!

[astroracer]

If it's heat soak (and I am fairly certain that is the problem) it will be back. I would recommend putting in the remote solenoid like Sam 74 suggested above. THAT will solve your problem...
Go to the Mad Electrical site and do some reading. Very informative.
Mark

[shizzy]

yep. Healthy battery, Remote solenoid and fresh properly sized cables. Best money I have ever spent on a GM.

[Tom 72RS/SS]

Did a test drive the other day for about 40 min. and when I shut it off, it started up no problem. We took both cars to a cruise-in across the state line and after parking, we hit the key and she fired up with no hesitation. I believe the problem is finally solved, to much relief to the wife.

[astroracer]

Good for you, it was probably the solenoid originally. They do go bad and, after they have "stuck" once or twice, they are more prone to do so as they get weaker. I would still recommend looking into the remote solenoid install. It is a good modification and really does take the load off the starter mounted solenoid.
Mark

[shizzy]

Good for you, it was probably the solenoid originally. They do go bad and, after they have "stuck" once or twice, they are more prone to do so as they get weaker. I would still recommend looking into the remote solenoid install. It is a good modification and really does take the load off the starter mounted solenoid.
Mark
Solid advice. I had a Cutlass once with headers that ran close to the starter. before I did the ford solenoid, It would eat a solenoid about once a season.

[Tom 72RS/SS]

Putting the heat wrap on this weekend for added measure but anymore issues in the future and a remote solenoid will promptly get installed.