308 GTB Warm Start Problem | FerrariChat
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308 GTB Warm Start Problem

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by FerrariGTB78, Jun 7, 2017.

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  1. FerrariGTB78

    FerrariGTB78 Rookie

    Jun 6, 2017
    16
    Harveys Lake, PA
    Full Name:
    LTC Joe Ruotolo, BSEE
    #1 FerrariGTB78, Jun 7, 2017
    Hi folks. I'm happy for any insight - Here goes; My 1978 308 GTB turns over nicely/quickly when the engine's cold. If I start and drive the car, warm it up, and then turn the car off, the starter becomes real sluggish when I try to start the car again. My thoughts are 1) polymerized oil (when hot), or more likely 2) a malfunctioning starter (heat soak). Can anyone think of something else I should consider before doing a starter swap and an oil change? I was thinking relays and solenoids, but in my opinion, their performance wouldn't be intermittent with temperature. My thanks for any thoughts. -Joe
     
  2. FerrariGTB78

    FerrariGTB78 Rookie

    Jun 6, 2017
    16
    Harveys Lake, PA
    Full Name:
    LTC Joe Ruotolo, BSEE
    #2 FerrariGTB78, Jun 8, 2017
    Hi folks. I posted this question in the general "Technical" forum but perhaps it belongs here. I'm grateful for any feedback. My 1978 Ferrari GTB starter turns over quickly and very strong when I first start the car when the engine is cold. However, after driving the car for awhile, warming it up, turning it off, and then trying to restart it, the starter turns over very slowly and sluggishly. My thoughts range from "oil that becomes polymerized when it's hot," all the way to "bad starter that's succeptible to heat." Wondering if anyone else has seen this, or has any thoughts before I embark on an oil change and a starter swap. Thanks for any feedback. -Joe
     
  3. BillyD

    BillyD Formula 3
    Silver Subscribed

    Feb 28, 2004
    1,829
    Pacific Northwest
    Full Name:
    Bill
    #3 BillyD, Jun 11, 2017
    I'd put an amp meter on it to check the draw hot and cold and connections tightened from battery to starter.
    Good luck
     
  4. mike32

    mike32 F1 Veteran

    May 13, 2016
    5,962
    Isle of man- uk
    #4 mike32, Jun 11, 2017
    Put a volt meter on the battery terminals, see if the voltage is lower on the hot start compared to the cold start. Would be interesting to find out how hot the starter is getting.
    After that put the meter on the starter motor positive and earth, see what voltage the starter motor is getting on cold and hot starts.
     
  5. Drew Altemara

    Drew Altemara Formula 3

    Feb 11, 2002
    1,532
    Tuscaloosa, AL
    Full Name:
    Drew Altemara
    #5 Drew Altemara, Jun 12, 2017
    If it's the original starter would not hurt to have it rebuilt. Odds are it will solve your problem.

    Good luck.

    Drew


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
  6. Keith360

    Keith360 Formula Junior

    Feb 6, 2015
    570
    Santa Barbara County
    Full Name:
    Keith Williams
    #6 Keith360, Jun 13, 2017
    I had the exactly the same on a boat with 460ci Ford. Sloppy bushing and as the starter warms up (bushings expands) and the armature drags on the field coil. It doesn't need much wear to cause it to drag because the gap between the armature and the field coil it small to get maximum performance out of the starter motor. One other thing you should check is a good ground strap to the engine. Take it loose and inspect the ends and the grounding surface for corrosion. It wouldn't be bad to add an extra strap and make sure the battery to frame is also in good condition. Try the ground straps first.
     
  7. waymar

    waymar Formula 3

    Sep 2, 2008
    1,354
    Northeast, PA - USA
    Full Name:
    Wayne Martin
    #7 waymar, Jun 13, 2017
    TC Starter and Alternator up from you a bit in New Milford PA. If it just the solenoid you can replace it yourself.
     
  8. George Soans

    George Soans Rookie

    Feb 24, 2017
    17
    Imdia
    Full Name:
    George soand
    #8 George Soans, Aug 18, 2017
    I had a similar problem turned out to be the ground strap
     

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