This is the 2nd time this has happened to me. I took the car out for its bi-monthly jog. I stopped to pick up something at a store and when I came out and tried to start it back up it would not start. Checked all my spark connections and could hear the fuel pump click but when I tried to crank the engine it would just not turn over. Let it sit for a few and then it started back up. It seems that it has to do with excess heat in the engine compartment. Possible heat soaking of the starter maybe?

I usually just take the car out for a few mile drive and then park her back in the garage or diver her to an event and let her sit all day (so it has plenty of time to cool down). The 2 times I have driven somewhere stopped for a few minutes and they tried to start back up is when I am having the problem.

I thought it was a fluke the first time but now that it has happened twice I know it is an issue. I know there is a good amount of heat produced by the engine as I can feel it and see it radiating out of the hood vents when at a standstill. My temp gauge reads slightly past mid way pretty much at all times.

Any ideas? Or has anyone else experienced this problem?

Submitted by DavidBarnes71@… on Mon, 10/01/2012 - 20:45

I have not had any starter problems with my E-type but I recently had the exact same symptoms on my '74 Chevrolet Vega. The stud on the starter solenoid for the main cable to the battery was slightly loose. When hot after running on a 90+ deg day the starter would do nothing until it cooled off or I shorted across to the wire from the ignition switch with a screw driver. Since I tightened up the stud it has been working fine. My guess is when hot things would expand and not make contact but close back up after cool down. Could be a flat spot on the starter too but the E-type seems like no good access to smack it with a hammer which some times works on cars with the starter out in the open where you can get a good tap on it.

David Barnes
'68 FHC

Submitted by b8_agnew@hotmail.com on Mon, 10/01/2012 - 12:23

Thanks Tom. If I get some time this afternoon Im going to try to take a look at it. My temp stayed even from when I noticed it not working until I parked it but it was only for a mile or 2 with no stopping so the cool air itself might have kept the temp down.

Thanks again. I will let you guys know what I find out.

Submitted by SE98-32482CJ on Mon, 10/01/2012 - 11:02

Blake it could be a starter that is on the way to a rebuild but I would check all of my battery connections and the chassis ground first. If ALL of that is clean and tight I would inspect the starter relay. Remember to check the battery connection to the starter sol. carefully for clean and tight. One more thing---is your 2+2 an automatic? If so the next time it happens try to start in neutral. If that is the issue then your linkage needs a bit of adjustment.