Weird Starting Problem, Won't start after going some distance Options

[Lyressa Roberts]

I have a really strange problem with my car. If I go any distance (say 15 to 20 miles) and kill the car, I have to let it sit and cool off for at least an hour or so before the motor will even attempt to turn over again.

When you turn the key on, you can hear the fuel pump, but when you turn it...nothing.

It will push start.

After sufficient cooling time, it turns over fine and I'm gone.

It's not an engine problem and I don't want to think it is a starter problem, but it's driving me nuts.

Any suggestions?

[914GT]

Before spending money, I'd take the cables off the battery terminals and clean them with a wire brush. Then I'd do the same for the big ground wire on the transaxle. And make sure the connection on the starter solenoid is clean and tight. It could be just an oxidized dirty connection is causing a little more voltage drop, and when the starter solenoid gets hot (higher resistance) there's not enough voltage to engage it. I've had a brand-new IMI gear drive starter do this when hot. Even with a new ignition switch, there's only about 9V at the solenoid when you start it. The relay boosts this up to close to the battery voltage. It may still be a bad starter but I'm just saying check the simple stuff first, might save you some cash.