Strange problem after degreasing bottom of engine - starter stuck on
 

'74 2.7 CIS


I cleaned the bottom of the engine and transmission today. I sprayed everything with degreaser and let sit for a few minutes and then hosed off with hot water. It did such a good job but there was still some grease so I did this a few times.

Afterwords, I started the engine and everything was fine. Later in the day, I started the engine and the starter kept running. I turned off the ignition and the starter would not stop running. I had to disconnect the battery. Afterwords, I connected the battery and everything was fine....but it did it again when I started the engine.

I tried one more time and everything was back to normal. Is it possible that water could make a circuit (enough to keep the starter engaged)?

Since I detailed the car today, I was bent on taking the 911 to thanksgiving and so I drove the car but I was worried it would do it again but it didn't.

I'm guessing I need to get up under there and check all my connections and the condition of the wire but I'm open to suggestions.

Thanks..............Vern

A common issue : the solenoid stay engaged after starting.

It can happens sometimes.

But it can also means that the soleinoid is old.....or has a problem.

+1 Solenoid stuck.

Raise the car safely with jack stands check the contacts and trans ground then once cleaned then start her/ If still running then use a piece of long wooden dowel and smack the Solenoid to see if it will un-stick.

You may need to eventually remove and service or replace it. I removed my starter and serviced it since it was making a screeching noise. Cleaned and lubed and replaced, No issues and starts on instantly.

Jim

My '70 2.2 T did this when I first started trying to get it running. It stopped doing it after I drove it and it works fine now. Once in a while it will stay on for a minute and then quit. The water may have caused it, but I would let it dry out really good with a good drive and see if it stops. The heat of the motor will probably dry it out eventually.

You're probably right.

Sometimes , the solenoid contacts are burned , you can try , in this case , turning them.

That permits sometimes to save it.

Everything went back to normal once I drove the car and got it really dry. I may consider a new starter at some point but for now it's working normally. I will get under there and check the condition of all wiring - just for piece of mine.

Another thing happened...My heat exchangers must have gotten water in them as the windows fogged for about 45 minutes. I had to drive with the fresh air blower on or the windows would instantly fog up. I guess water entered thru the flapper boxes.

I've only had this car since Oct 1st so I guess I'm not used to aircooled quirks....but I will learn.

On the brighter side....my car is really, really clean now. :)

LOL, yeap, 911 and water do not mix :D

When I degrease and rinse, I drive for about an hour to insure it is completely dry.

If I may suggest, degreasing will also get rid of much needed lubricant on the clutch spring/shaft assembly and gas pedal linkage (especially at the #3 intake manifold). I would consider cleaning and lubing them as well. Especialy the clutch fork shaft, this is the most neglected.

Jim