hot start issue, is there a fall back way to start? Options

[cooper951]

I've had recurring issues with the hot start problem. I had the starter rebuilt with a new solenoid, and I installed the Bosch hot start relay. So far so good. But is there a way to start the car if it happens to me 50 miles from home besides push start? I tried jumping the battery connection on the solenoid to the starter with the ignition "ON" and I could hear the starter "whrrr" but it never engaged into the flywheel. TIA

[cooper951]

whats the condition of the ignition switch? They tend to crack and will be intermittent on the start circuit.

Haven't checked. It seems like that would be the more difficult project of the bunch, so I've been putting it off.

Replacing the ignition switch is not too bad. This tech article at the Bird is pretty good: http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/9...tion_switch.htm

But what's your actual question? If it's "what other options are there to start car" if starter doesn't work, then as far as I know you pretty much can a) push start it, or b) park on a hill (which is the same thing really). If the issue is electrical (e.g., poor ground connection at tranny) then some sort of boost MAY help give it the extra potential to overcome the resistance (e.g., jump from another car or a battery charger). If the solenoid is bad you can try the screwdriver trick to jump the starter (very carefully).

As an aside, someone's always got a story of how long they drove their first car with a bad starter and simply relied on parking on a hill every time.

Thanks. I used to have a '53 International pickup that I had to park on a hill all the time. I've checked the ground at the tranny, and it is quite sound. Not expecting any more problems, but with a 42 year old car, you learn to "expect the unexpected."