911 sc: ignition switch on and the starter randomly engages???????? this is scary.
 

I tried searching for this, but no luck. Just installed an engine into an 82 911sc.

With the ignition switch on, the starter will randomly and every second engage the starter for one quick second and then does it on and off.

recommendations?
thanks in advance
Marlin

Which engine, 3.0 or 3.2?

81 SC 3.0 into an 82 SC body.

I originally thought it was the key ignition switch. But, the starter was turning on without touching the key once I turned it to the on position. On and off, on and off almost like a relay was slowly cycling. very strange indeed. Just got a Bentley manual today and will start looking. Also, although it started and ran, I had a fuel leak. After I fixed the leak, it didn't start anymore and looks like the fuel pump is gone. No noise even when connected directly to the battery.

If the car originally had A/C (most), check the little metal relay in the smugglers box, it can cause this symptom.

Check the insulation of the wires at the starter. If the insulation is worn on the yellow wire and the battery cable then if they touch the starter will engage. This short bypasses the ignition switch.