[Zippy 2]

This season, my 2006 Z06 has had trouble starting when it is up to temperature (and it gets worse when it is hot outside).
When the car is cold, it starts up no problem, but when I'm doing multiple starts/stops (errands, etc), it can actually get to the point where it won't start.
Has anyone come across this?_ If so, please share how you solved it.
One thing I have heard is that it could be the starter motor, somehow getting worn or increasing friction when it is warm.

It's not the battery, not the alternator._
I have had both tested, and they are in perfect shape.__
When I thought it might have been one of those issues, I was putting a trickle charger on between using it. However, it wasn't the extra charge it needed, it just needed to cool down.
When I had the battery and alternator tested after the car wouldn't start, I left it for an hour, and it started (with a little hesitation since it was still a bit warm).

​​​​​​​Any thoughts/tips would be appreciated.

 

[racingvette]

You need to expand on not starting as answers will be different

Is engine cranking over ?, if not then could be starter solenoid

If cranking then it can be anything as the MAF is dirty or bad, or the wiring pins have bad crimps to the wires of MAF
leaking gasket for MAF, unmetered airflow, loose or cracks of airbridge and it's couplers from aircleaner to throttlebody
Weak O2 sensors to dirty sparkplugs to lower fuel pressure once warmed up
Hotter engine bay is, leaner fuel trims will be

Check for any error codes, any auto parts store should have a code reader to borrow or best is a OBD-II scanner to see if running
way too lean, and conditions of all above

 

[Zippy 2]

Thanks for the insight/feedback.

The engine cranks over, and when it cranks fast enough it starts.
As the engine gets warmer/hotter, the cranking slows down.

I have read on another forum that this could be caused by a heat soaked starter / solenoid.
It sounds like the solution is either to wrap it (block from heat) and/or fix/replace the starter / solenoid.

 

[racingvette]

If having long tube headers good chance the right one is too close to starter adding more heat to it and
requires using a thermal wrap to protect starter

In any case pull starter and have a auto parts store to test, repair if need be or replace.
Most likely the starter solenoid which they should have a rebuild kit

Good chance the right exhaust manifold moved out of way to have room to take starter off and back on.

 

[Arno]

If having long tube headers good chance the right one is too close to starter adding more heat to it and
requires using a thermal wrap to protect starter

In any case pull starter and have a auto parts store to test, repair if need be or replace.
Most likely the starter solenoid which they should have a rebuild kit

Good chance the right exhaust manifold moved out of way to have room to take starter off and back on.

Hi, This is Arno. I have a 2008 Z06, with the exact same problem: not starting when hot. At the second or third stop (running errands or driving), engine cranking, but super slow, just like draining the battery until everything dies. When cold, next day, all starts like nothing happened. Car has been at 2 dealers over the past 4 years: all together, stayed at least 12 months for repair, but nothing worked so far, and the second dealer gave up and asked me to take the car back.
FYI, I have the car for 7 years, and originally it was not doing that, but since GM changed the engine due to valve failure (!!), nothing but problems.

Have been changed to new (per GM dealer): battery, starter, alternator, cable line from battery to engine. I got the right exhaust pipe wrapped with insulation fiber and added an insulation plate to protect the starter from heat.... but nothing worked so far !!

Any help ?
Any address of Z06 mechanics in LA / SF that could have experienced and resolved this issue.
Thanks a lot

 

[Zippy 2]

Hi, This is Arno. I have a 2008 Z06, with the exact same problem: not starting when hot. At the second or third stop (running errands or driving), engine cranking, but super slow, just like draining the battery until everything dies. When cold, next day, all starts like nothing happened. Car has been at 2 dealers over the past 4 years: all together, stayed at least 12 months for repair, but nothing worked so far, and the second dealer gave up and asked me to take the car back.
FYI, I have the car for 7 years, and originally it was not doing that, but since GM changed the engine due to valve failure (!!), nothing but problems.

Have been changed to new (per GM dealer): battery, starter, alternator, cable line from battery to engine. I got the right exhaust pipe wrapped with insulation fiber and added an insulation plate to protect the starter from heat.... but nothing worked so far !!

Any help ?
Any address of Z06 mechanics in LA / SF that could have experienced and resolved this issue.
Thanks a lot

My situation (above) was resolved by replacing the starter. It lasted for 12 years. It all works great since replacing in 2018.

 

[Arno]

Thanks Zippy for the info.
Do you or someone else know any good Z06 mechanics in LA / SF that could have experienced and resolved this issue and that you would recommend ?
Thanks a lot

 

[Zippy 2]

Thanks Zippy for the info.
Do you or someone else know any good Z06 mechanics in LA / SF that could have experienced and resolved this issue and that you would recommend ?
Thanks a lot

Sorry, no I don't. I'm in Toronto Canada and I take my car to Champion Motors, but maybe if you give them a call, maybe they know someone there. Champion Motors

 

[Arno]

Thanks
I may try....