Start-up problems--1984 Subaru GL

[SubWestGL]

Hello fellow Sube Fans!

 

Usually my car works just fine. However, after I have been driving for quite some time, maybe an hour or so, if I park and then try to start the car up again, it is as if everything is dead. There is no turn-over, just a click. Once the car is completely cooled down, it starts right up again with no problems. I have had the wiring and battery checked to rule that out.

 

I recently drove from California to New Mexico. On the trip, I was having trouble idling. The car drove fine but as soon as I stopped at a stop sign or traffic light, the car would just die and I would have to re-start. Since I have been in New Mexico, this issue has not been as prevalent. I am not sure if there is any connection between the two issues. 

 

Any ideas?

 

Thank you! 

[Dee2]

I suspect these are unrelated problems. 

 

On the first, starts only when cold, it might be the starter is worn and needs new contacts.  Common problem on older models.  I had similar starting problems on my loyale, replaced the contacts and problem solved.

 

On the second, rough idling could be any number of things from dirty fuel/fuel filter, needs a tuneup, or ??

[jono]

I had similar starting issues with my 84 Brumby. Rather than go test things, I swapped in another starter and a starter relay in casethe 30 year old ignition switch was starting fail intermittently.. There, fixed it I thought...a few days later I found the power cable to starter motor, but at battery end, made difference. I had this problem before, think it was corrosion on the alloy cables, so even though was checked to be tight, and the other hold downs on power were tight....I snipped 10mm off and refitted bare cable under its clamp - all fine now !I am the one who checked battery terminals earlier so blam self.