Classic/Antique Car Repair/Hard Starting

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Expert: - 5/18/2009


Question
I have a 71 Pontiac with a 455.  Recently my car has had a hard time turning over to restart when it has warmed up.  I have put in a new battery with higher cranking power but it is the same result.  Once it has cooled down a little it turns over fine and will restart.  It is just after it has been running for a while and I go to restart it within 15 minutes of shutting it off.

Answer
Hi Steve:
The problem may not be your battery, but your starter. Usually when the bushings in a starter get warm, they shrink to a point that they have little contact. So, if it sound like the starter is dragging or sometimes it just clicks like the battery is dead, then your starter bushings are worn and you either need to have the starter rebuilt or buy a new one. Once the starter cool off, the bushings expand and have better contact. This will continue until they are so bad it won't turn over at all.

Classic/Antique Car Repair

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Vern Bullock

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Visit my website at: http://www.classytransportation.com/ I can answer most questions about autos built in the 60's 70's and 80's. Specifically, Lincolns, Rolls Royces and the Excaliburs. Mechanical issues and technical questions are my expertise. I also have a general knowledge of most older automobiles. Keep in mind, I can only provide answers if the questions are very specific and complete. Without details, I can only speculate and that's not good for solving your problem.

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I have owned and maintained Silver Shadows for over 10 years now. I find most mechanics and even Rolls Royce mechanics have very little knowledge about these automobiles. I have researched these cars in quite a bit of detail and can pretty much tell you what is wrong, if you can describe the behavior in detail. I have saved quite a few RR owners a lot of money and aggravation due to improper diagnosis. I am the owner of Classy Transportation, LLC a luxury limousine service specializing in antique cars, classic cars, vintage cars and exotic cars.

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Classy Transportation, LLC Limousine Service.

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All around the Internet

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I hold a BS degree in computer science and a MS degree in mechanical engineering.

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I regularly compete at car shows and average around a dozen awards annually.

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See Web site at: http://www.classytransportation.com/

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