Hi Karl,

I had a similar issue (slow hot start) after long drives.  I cleaned up the
ground strap and replaced the bolt it attached to in the battery
compartment.  The hot start issue as improved greatly.

Take care,
Jim
Wilmington, NC

On Mon, Aug 29, 2011 at 12:18 AM, Karl Wolz <wolzphoto@q.com> wrote:

> Went for a shakedown cruise today, wandering up from Phoenix to the top of
> Mingus Mtn. (above 7000 ft.), where we did some scrubbing and checking of
> this and that in nice cool air.  Got back to Phx around 4pm, with the
> temperature around 112 degrees.  Filled up at Costco to check trip mileage
> (17.8, which kinda sucks), turned the key and had super slow starter motor
> for a couple seconds, then normal and fired right up.
>
> Several questions:
> This trip is the first time I've used the AC in about 15 years, and the
> frist time I've used with the 2.1L engine; how much should I expect the A/C
> cut into fuel economy?  I drove about normal speed (65 - 75) for most of
> the
> trip; this usually yields just shy of 20 mpg.
>
> Starter issue - I've replaced the battery to starter wire and the the
> alternator to starter wire with 2ga.  The starter was recently rebuilt, the
> engine normally turns easily.  I have NOT replaced the starter ground
> connection, and have not inspected that wire.  This slow starter (Uerh -
> uerh) was the reason I replaced the wiring, and since then, it has turned
> quite quickly and starter right up every time.  I'd imagine the heat had
> some effect, and I certainly should take a close look at that battery
> ground
> wire.  Any other thoughts?
>
> Thanks in advance,
>
> Karl Wolz
>