starter won't stop

carrera · 10-18-2006, 05:36 PM

Turned the car on and the starter kept spinning. turned it off and still it kept spinning. Did this a few times and finally it turned off.
I am guessing it is the ignition switch. Any ideas ?
Not sure if the copious amounts of rain had anything to do with it.
This happened once last winter as well, but has not recurred till now. I would like to fix it before it causes me trouble. IIRC it was wet then as well.
any input appreciated

Kevin Stewart · 07:30 PM

could be the Solenoid spelling?

Goth · 07:59 PM

+1 on the Solenoid as the most likely culprit. If it were the ignition switch, other things would most likely stay on as well (radio, lights, engine would keep running, etc.).

Years ago when I had more time than money (now I have no time AND no money, but that's another story)... We would take the solenoid apart and just clean it up, sand/file the contacts on the sliding part, and flip the stationary contact plate over. Then stretch out the spring and put a little grease on the slide. This used to work on Chevys.

I think as they get old, they sometimes get sticky and the spring gets weak.

Good Luck!

carrera · 10-18-2006, 08:08 PM

thanks for the input guys
my question now is if I cut power via the switch shouldn't this cut power to the solenoid and stop cranking ?

Kevin Stewart · 10-18-2006, 08:38 PM

it could be grounding out which causes it to stay ingaged

john walker's workshop · 10-18-2006, 08:51 PM

often it's the starter teeth stuck in the ring gear teeth, ie: everything all chewed up.

flmont · 10-18-2006, 10:02 PM

Well my 77 3.0 does the same thing when its cold,So I let it crank until oil presure builds,turn it off and then on to start the car...it works like a charm .3 yrs now, but only when its really cold ???? FM

T77911S · 10-19-2006, 07:46 AM

GOTH,
i do the same thing. extends the life of the solenoid.
sounds like it is hanging in the flywheel like john said.

KEVIN,
12v is applied to the solenoid to make it engage.

glenncof · 10-19-2006, 11:43 AM

I've never heard this happen.

GENERALLY: The key sends a signal to the solenoid (or via a relay on newer). Solenoid has the big battery cable attached, this is typically the copper slug that the solenoid plunger connects to. Solenoid also connects to motor with a short, thick wire or strap, maybe internal.

From my days in New England where grinding starters is common, the copper slug gets pitted and resistance goes up. Usually it fails to engage the starter motor since current is insufficient. Repeated tries may get it started.

In your case I would put voltmeter on the small wire to solenoid. It should respond to the key. If it stays "on" at 12V, either the ignition switch or relay, if applicable. If the starter keeps going with no signal I would assume solenoid plunger is getting stuck in on position.

If so I would pull it and take to a local electrical repair shop for teardown and rebuild, for me I expect ~$100. If the history is known and it is too soon to fail, I would pull solenoid and look at what is restricting it's movement.

911pcars · 10-19-2006, 12:37 PM

I agree with J.Walker. When the pinion gear extends into the ring gear, the solenoid provides a current path to the motor. Normally the pinion gear only moves outward when it's energized. If it remains extended, even though no longer energized, there's still a connection from battery to motor.

Remove the starter and inspect the pinion gear and ring gear teeth. The pinion gear linkage could be hanging up as well. You should be able to disassemble, inspect, discard or relube.

Sherwood

T77911S · 10-19-2006, 01:31 PM

are u turning the ignition switch OFF and the ENGINE keeps running? ie it is still firing along with the fuel pump running?
if u turned the car OFF, ( no fire from the ignition or fuel pump) and the motor is turning over from the starter then the solenoid is hanging up or it is hanging ot the flywheel.
pull the starter and check the teeth on it and the flywheel. check them all, there may only be a few damaged. while out u can connect the starter to a battery with jumper cables. one side to the chasis and then touch the other to the spade connetion. the starter should engage, turn and release when u remove power. hang on to it good..it has a lot of torque and can roll around. put some grease on the moving parts.
put a little graphite on the sloenoid plunger too.

Goth · 10-19-2006, 07:35 PM

Carrera, T77911S is on the money about the solenoid sticking and the symptoms. Just take it apart and clean/lubricate the slide.

It's just a really big relay and pretty easy to figure out once you have it apart.

Just be sure to disconnect the battery ground before messing around with it, as the big wire connected to the solenoid comes directly from the hot side of the battery.