I am not sure what the cause of this is, but I am having a weird problem with my 69 firebird.

It will start up just fine cold, but if I drive around for a while, park and turn it off, then try to restart it, I have some problems. I'll turn the key. and the engine will turn over like once, then catch, and not move any more. I can turn the key again, and the same thing happens. Sometimes it will start again after a few tries, but other times it just won't start. Then if I wait like a half hour, it will start right up.

Any thoughts?

 

do you have heddars?
sounds like the starter is getting heated up from the
way you describe it had the same problem I put a heat shield
between the starter and the heddars and the problem solved
I dont think timming is the problem

 

hmm i had the same problem, and have headers, i assumed i overadvanced the timing... interesting, that would explain why i never detonated and only couldnt start after getting to temp... (calling summit monday)

 

No, I don't have headers, but I guess that could be it. It does seem like the starter just can't get up to speed.

 

As long as the battery cables are in good condition and clean terminals etc.,then I would pull 2 degree's of timing out and see how it works then. If it still has the problem,than its prob. starter hear soak from the exhaust being close to the starter. Summit and Jegs both sell starter shields and most likely one for your application!

 

Make sure the Bat. cable is the right size also. Over the years they are sometimes replaced with cable that are to small, (won't carry the amps.).
GM also make a "high torque" starter, which is a good investment.

 

Its called "Hot Soak" the easiest way to fix it is to use a remote sol. check out these guys they invented the cure. plus they have a lot of other kits
http://madelectrical.com/


Wade

 

I had the same problem with a small block chevy a couple of years ago.I tried everything to cure the problem including the remote starter relay.
Turned out to be the negative battery cable was corroded on the inside and the ground connections (BATTERY TO ENGINE AND ENGINE TO CHASSIS)were poor because of paint buildup.
Check all your connections on the negative side,make sure they are ALL clean and tight and this should help a great deal.