I have a 1967 camaro 327/Auto. Trans. that has developed a very noisy starting problem.

When it is first started it sounds normal, but after it has been driven any distance at all and you try to sart it again the starter will rotate the engine normally for just a moment and I hear a very loud clag. It will do this until you let it sit for 15-30 minutes. When it finally will start again it runs normal and shows no sign of problems.

I have been told that since it has headers and there is no heat shield that could be the culprit.

I have added shims and removed shims thinking that might be the problem and it makes no diffrence at all.

 

it could be the heatsoak problem you speak of, but where you are also having the hard starting with the "loud clang", it might be worth it to check your timing

 

Thanks for the suggestion.

I will check my timing tomorrow afternoon.

 

I double checked my timing and it was where it was suppose to be, so I guess I will have to purchase a new starter/solenoid and heat sheild.

 

Start with the heat shield first, before replacing the starter. Unless you want to spend extra money.

 

Good call, heatshield first.

 

I took the starter off and had it tested at a parts store and the starter/solenoid tested as in perfect working order. After I looked closer at where the starter mounts to the block I noticed something odd that I had not noticed before, a 1/8" thick washer had been tack welded to the block for some reason. Unknown to me at the time when I was remounting the starter it was always off to one side and causing the noisy, clanging start. I removed the welded on washer and placed one appropriate shim on the starter and it has been starting smoothly. I have no idea why someone would weld a washer on like that, but I guess that is part of having a old car that has been modified many diffrent times by many diffrent owners. I am just curious what I will find next time I need to replace a part...

Thanks for the info. supplied it was very appreciated!