[Roadsters] Tough to start? Revisited

[tputland at charter.net]

Thanks to all who replied. Unfortunately I didn't have a chance to check any thing this weekend after everyone replied.

But let me expand on my first post. When trying to start after a long drive, the engine doesn't crank and turn trying to start--what would seem a fuel issue.... Just the opposite. It will crank once then hesitate/stick for a beat or two, then crank and then start. It is this hesitation/stick that I am wondering about. 

The thermal expansion James mentioned makes sense to me. But I don't think (hope) it is borderline over heating as the cooling system, including radiator and water pump, etc. is all new---well, less than 500 miles.

More thoughts?

Tim
Belleville, WI.
'70 SPL AND SRL
Still clueless but always learning

---- James Fogg <James at jdfogg.com> wrote: 
> > Anyway, after running today, coming home then going back out 
> > a short time later, my 70 1600 hesitated--almost a catch and 
> > then a pause-- when I went to start her. She did start but 
> > this hesitation is new. Usually she fires right up and idles 
> > pretty smooth when warm.  
> > 
> > Any comments? Or am I just worrying needlessly? ( I worry 
> > constantly so this part is nothing new!)
> 
> If the starter motor gets very hot (from the exhaust in most cars, V8's
> especially) their internal resistance changes and they draw a lot more
> current, they appear "weaker". Alternatively, sometimes a hot engine can
> be "tight" from thermal expansion (or borderline overheating without
> indicating such). Also, sometimes fuel vapor will condense in the
> cylinders, or oil can weep down past the valve guides, and introduce a
> small amount of hydrostatic lock (increase in compression ratio) for the
> first rotation. It's also possible that your battery isn't charging and
> you got lucky with a successful start.
> 
> Or, it may be nothing.