slow or no start when hot

jrohr · 10-26-2007

I seem to be having problems starting my 71 GT when the engine is warmed up. It starts great when cold, but after a short drive, if I shut it off, it won't start again until it cools off. It will crank, but it cranks very slowly. The motor will barely crank over. Would a bad solenoid cause this slow cranking when it gets hot? Like I say, after it cools down, it will start great. It definetely seems like an electrical problem and not fuel, etc.

Any ideas? I can't go anywhere if it requires me to shut the car off, unless I plan on staying awhile!

Thanks!

guyopel · 10-26-2007

Take your car to the auto. parts store and have a starter amp draw test done ( most will do these for free ) .
Check the ground cables and ing. timing ( high ing. timing will make your car hard to start ) . HTH
John

GTJIM · 10-26-2007

ALL Opels - right through to the 1990's! - have this problem and it is usually caused by the very high current that has to pass through the switch operated by the ignition key.
Have a search for "Otto Start" to see how using a starting relay can cure this problem ... and save the hard to replace/repair ignition switch.

T-6 driver · 10-27-2007

Try loosening up the bolt under the distributor, and then twisting it right or left to advance or retard while the car is running, listen for the jump in idle. Should crank up fine if you advance it a little, if it is retarded, it WILL NOT START WHEN HOT! This seems to be a problem with opels...most do not know how to time them right...good luck!

baronbors · 10-27-2007

I had the exact problem- suffered over 2 years with it- constantly readjusting timing trying to find the sweet spot so it would start every time. Finally put in an electric fuel pump- it got better but still not perfect. Replaced the points with electronic ignition and it got even better but still not perfect. Put in an OTTOSTART and all problems are gone. Cold- it takes about 1/2 a turn to start. Hot, I pump twice on the gas and turn it over about three revolutions and it fire right up. Can't ask for much better.

10-26-2007	#1 (permalink)
jrohr Opeler Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Kansas Posts: 35	Unanswered: slow or no start when hot I seem to be having problems starting my 71 GT when the engine is warmed up. It starts great when cold, but after a short drive, if I shut it off, it won't start again until it cools off. It will crank, but it cranks very slowly. The motor will barely crank over. Would a bad solenoid cause this slow cranking when it gets hot? Like I say, after it cools down, it will start great. It definetely seems like an electrical problem and not fuel, etc. Any ideas? I can't go anywhere if it requires me to shut the car off, unless I plan on staying awhile! Thanks!

10-26-2007	#2 (permalink)
guyopel Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Duluth,Ga. Posts: 649 Real Name: John Provided Answers: 2	Take your car to the auto. parts store and have a starter amp draw test done ( most will do these for free ) . Check the ground cables and ing. timing ( high ing. timing will make your car hard to start ) . HTH John __________________ Guyopel I have not failed - I've merely found 10,000 ways that won't work." ---Thomas Edison It's amazing what God lets man get away with when lightning is so cheap. Mark Twain

10-26-2007	#3 (permalink)
GTJIM Old Opeler Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: New Zealand Posts: 5,686 Provided Answers: 12	Common Problem ... ALL Opels - right through to the 1990's! - have this problem and it is usually caused by the very high current that has to pass through the switch operated by the ignition key. Have a search for "Otto Start" to see how using a starting relay can cure this problem ... and save the hard to replace/repair ignition switch. __________________ GTJim Opel Owner since last Century! Copyright © 2000-2009 J D Henry All Rights Reserved

10-27-2007	#5 (permalink)
baronbors 1000 Post Club Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: League City Texas Posts: 1,117	I had the exact problem- suffered over 2 years with it- constantly readjusting timing trying to find the sweet spot so it would start every time. Finally put in an electric fuel pump- it got better but still not perfect. Replaced the points with electronic ignition and it got even better but still not perfect. Put in an OTTOSTART and all problems are gone. Cold- it takes about 1/2 a turn to start. Hot, I pump twice on the gas and turn it over about three revolutions and it fire right up. Can't ask for much better. __________________ Texas Opel Preservation Society

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10-27-2007	#4 (permalink)
T-6 driver U-2 Driver Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Lincoln, CA Posts: 139	Try loosening up the bolt under the distributor, and then twisting it right or left to advance or retard while the car is running, listen for the jump in idle. Should crank up fine if you advance it a little, if it is retarded, it WILL NOT START WHEN HOT! This seems to be a problem with opels...most do not know how to time them right...good luck!

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