Bypassing the clutch switch

[Dynomite]

Originally Posted by carnold

Looking for a start cure. I have a 90 ZR1 and for years it starts fine but after I stop and leave it for an hour or so and come back I push in the clutch, turn the key, all proper lights come on but starter will not turn over. I leave it for 2 or 3 hours and it will then start fine. I bypassed the VATS system but still have the problem. Is it the clutch switch or the starter relay or something else. It is a 3700 mile car.

Does the starter solenoid move and no start or solenoid sticky?

Do lights dim when you turn key to start?

I always install the Starter Relay and along with that always recondition the starter solenoid and points (and check armature bearings for smoothness and starter Brushes).

[carnold]

Lights do not dim. Solenoid does not click. It acts just like a VATS problem but it has been bypassed.

[Dynomite]

Originally Posted by carnold

Lights do not dim. Solenoid does not click. It acts just like a VATS problem but it has been bypassed.

It sounds to me like the starter solenoid is sticky after heating up and has to cool down to activate. Assuming your battery is fully charged. The other items that may cause your starter issue have nothing in common with the engine temperature as far as I know.

I assume you installed the Starter Relay taking direct current from battery to Starter Solenoid when activated by a lower required current to activate the Relay itself through the Clutch Switch.

[carnold]

No have not touched clutch switch or added relay. It is bone stock. I am to old to be removing battery boxes and adding another relay. Could it be the clutch switch or original relay?

[Dynomite]

Originally Posted by carnold

No have not touched clutch switch or added relay. It is bone stock. I am to old to be removing battery boxes and adding another relay. Could it be the clutch switch or original relay?

It could be....since when engine warm may take a bit more current to move the Solenoid and as such may be beyond the capability of the clutch switch to handle that current. In other words you have less voltage at the Starter Solenoid because of the greater resistance in the Clutch Switch Circuit at a time when the Solenoid takes a bit more voltage to function when engine warm.

[carnold]

Think for a start it would do any good to bypass the switch?

[Dynomite]

Originally Posted by carnold

Think for a start it would do any good to bypass the switch?

It is worth a try and would help diagnose the situation.......that would eliminate (at least for now) the switch as the culprit if in fact it still does not start. If it starts that would point to the switch as the item having excessive resistance in the start circuit providing voltage/current to the starter Solenoid (which may be a bit of a culprit being sticky and requiring more voltage (greater magnetic field) to activate).

[carnold]

Thanks will give it a try.