Problems with exhaust heat

[Magikal]

I have a 454 vortec in my k5. On the passenger side there is a few wires that run up from the starter. I have them ran through a heat shield where they are near the exhaust but it isn't enough. The heat is melting the wires slowly. I am just curious what others have done to alleviate this issue.

 

[nvrenuf]

I also have this issue - mine melted, grounded, melted the alternator wiring and killed the alternator.

I bought some 1" heat sleeve from summit and put about 18" on so it runs from the solenoid up to around the block / head junction. I am also going to make a small bracket to hold the wiring closer to the oil pan rather than let it dangle "freely". I haven't run it long enough to know if it's going to work long term.

Also, I'm running shorty headers so my collectors are about even with the oil filter. My wires were just barely touching the collector flange.

 

[diesel4me]

I took the red wire(s) with the fusible links off at the starter solenoid ,that run thru a steel conduit factory,and is too close to the exhaust manifold,
and ends up roasting the insulation off the wires,and makes the fusible links fail,and be a bitch to replace..

I took off that conduit thing,on many of my trucks, and ran the wires up to the positive battery post instead of them getting power at the solenoid end of the positive cable..GM used to run them this way before 1972,why they went to the goofy conduit idea baffles me..

You may have to extend the wire(s) to reach the battery terminal..
I ran the wires along the firewall and the front fender ,and used flexible conduit to protect them,or that split loom black stuff GM used factory on wiring harnesses..
I put the fusible links close to the battery,now if one fries,I can replace it easily..(none ever have on the trucks I did this too BTW)..

 

[Magikal]

Yeah I ditched everything coming off the starter long ago also. I actually run a solenoid off the firewall for the starter. The only wires rubbing through that spot are starter power, starter actuator wire, and a couple sensor wires for the engine. I also have my air locker line (inside a larger hose for protection) ran through there also. I have everything pulled back as far as I can, there just is very little room to work with. I will try to get some pics tonight

 

[skunked]

A quality heat sleeve should protect the wires.

 

[imiceman44]

A quality routing is better with a solenoid

 

[ktmoutfront]

Heat wrap on that portion on the exhaust will also help. But run a shield also.