Delco Style Starter problems

[Steve Stegmann <stegmann@domain.elided>]

Scouters,

I keep hearing about converting the Delco style starter to cure the hot 
start problem.  Mine has it now.  aaaarrrrrrggggghhhhhhhh!!!!!!

It sounds like it isn't engaging properly.  What about this?  I'm looking 
for comments here.

1- Feed the Delco solenoid with a push button switch from the dash, maybe 
use a relay as this thing draws about 11 amps (actual measurement on two 
starters)

2- Feed the main power to the armature through a Ford starter relay and 
activate this with a second button.

Starting now becomes a two button proceedure.  This is no big deal if it 
will always start.

I don't yet really understand what is happening when it won't start.  The 
starter engages and then stops as the first piston comes up on the 
compression stroke.  Sounds for all the world like the batt is dead.  
But... I've checked the battery, it's brand new and fully charged.  The 
cabeling is all new and will deliver 400 amps, my old starter drew that 
much by actual measurement.

My engine is ok.  It runs fine, doesn't get hot, has good power, gets 16 
mpg on the highway.  The engine moves easily with a half inch ratchet on 
the crankshaft pulley.  I simply refuse to start it this way!!!

What is going on!!!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?  Is the relay portion of the solenoid 
failing to pass power to the armature? Is the solenoid failing to engage 
the gears properly causing some kind of binding?  Do the brushes or 
armature only pass current when cold.  Why don't Ford starters do this.  
Why do the knuckleheads at Delco persist with this admittedly poor 
design, are there no real engineers there.  These are the same engineers 
who located the oil filter on my wife's Contour.

I've checked the FAQ re the starter conversion.  Steve Young says the 
kit solves the problem.  But he doesn't say how it accomplishes the cure.

I have this birth defect.  I have to know how and why it works.  
Otherwise I won't ever trust it.

Tired of rolling it down a hill.

Steve
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Steven A. Stegmann
     _/_/_/    _/      _/_/_/ "'Necessity' is the plea for every 
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   _/        _/ _/   _/         argument of tyrants; it is the creed of 
    _/_/    _/  _/    _/_/      slaves."  
       _/  _/_/_//       _/    
 _/    _/ _/    _/ _/    _/          William Pitt, 1783
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