Mine is fairly new, works great, only gives problems after wandering around town in 108 deg heat. Not interested in new starter, just want to get what I'm confident is the problem, heat.

Anyone have a source for an aftermarket? Maybe ideas on fabbing my own??

TIA

 

The starter and exhaust are on opposite sides of the truck, what good would a heat shield on the starter do?

 

I was thinking reduce heat soak from the block...

 

Since the starter is bolted to the block/bell housing, it'll conduct heat to and and away from the starter even with a heat shield. JC Whitney sells a starter heat wrap kit you could try, but you might see if you can find out why the starter acts up in the heat. Do the test below cold and hot and see if there is any difference:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTri...shtml#EasyTest

My original '85 starter cranks just fine even after crawling all day in Death Valley in 100+ heat.

 

Same here. I have never had a problem with my starter (knock on wood) nor ever had a need for a heat shield. The block doesn't get hot enough to warrant it.

 

It ONLY happens when very hot. Guess it's just a weak starter...

 

You could try running a relay. It cured my problems, and it is pretty cheap fix. I replaced the contacts in the starter, but still had problems till I did the relay. However good luck........