65 Rivi hard start

[Guest 65purps]

My 65 Rivi has this issue of not turning on, on the first turn of key sound like it wants to but doesnt try it again and it turns on and this is only after the car has been rynning for awhile engine is hot basically. car sits a couple minutes and then this issue happens. When car/engine is cold turns rite over no issue.

[steelman]

How old is the battery? Second, check the ground connections. Make sure the battery terminals are clean and the ground cable is tight on both ends. Sounds simple, but you'd be surprised.

[JZRIV]

Typically if hard starting occurs on a hot engine in the fashion of (starter reluctantly turning engine over) the problem is usually the stator windings in the starter are failing and time for a rebuild. If I misunderstood your symptom description, please clarify.

As mentioned its always a good idea to check the integrity of all cables and connections. Also make sure your ignition timing is set properly as in not advanced excessively.

Edited January 2, 2013 by JZRIV (see edit history)

[Guest 65purps]

Battery is new so is alternator. I will check batt cable. I was thinking it might have something to do with the starter as well.. hope its just the batt cable.

[steelman]

Battery is new so is alternator. I will check batt cable. I was thinking it might have something to do with the starter as well.. hope its just the batt cable.

Did you put a 27 or 27F series battery in it when you replaced it? This is a larger (physically) battery with more amps than the 24 or 24F series most cars this age take. Battery tray is made to fit a 27 series, and that is what you need.

[Guest 65purps]

Battery is 24R AC Delco. Issue was happening before new alternator was installed if that helpd any.

[RivNut]

I had a hot start problem with my '63 one summer. I knew it was the starter motor because I could dowse it with a pitcher of cold water and it would work fine. After having it rebuilt, as Jason suggests, I never had the problem again.

Ed

[Guest 65purps]

I had a hunch it was the starter but wasnt positive. Thanks for all the help. I love this forum full of knowledge. Ive seen some remanufactured starters for a 65 rivi online around $80 any thoughts on those so I can order one or is it just better to rebuild. I figure if might be around the same to rebuild it. Ill check this months ROA mag for any leads for a shop here in California.

Edited January 3, 2013 by 65purps (see edit history)

[steelman]

Starters are one of the few things on these cars that are not unique to the Riviera. Any starter or alternator shop used to have exchanges in stock. Make a few calls, and you should find an already rebuilt exchange locally.

[lrlforfun]

OK Riviera People: It's nice that Mr. Purple got his vehicle going. I also apologize for being a kill-joy in advance because I know every body's intentions here are good. I have a major problem here and that is about several of the suggestions that were thrown out to help him solve his problem. Well, perhaps it was luck or perhaps it was very obvious. Hey, I'm nothing short of a lousy mechanic so I will say this...... that as poor as my skills are, even I know that the correct diagnostic procedures were not suggested.

Isolating the problem was not suggested. Checking the rate of charging to the battery, actual battery charge of 12+ volts, specific gravity, as well as voltage drop on the battery under a load was not mentioned. My point is that the procedures suggested have taken me to the auto parts store many times only to discover that replacing a certain component wasn't the solution to the problem. The same hit and miss procedures have lots of people in trouble too. Because of my way too quick on the draw habit of replacing parts hoping it will work, I personally would appreciate a scientific diagnostic procedure in response to any problem. Mitch