Starter question

[RoddingRon]

I'm going to pick up another toy in the not to distant future. I really don't want to say exactly what it is until I get it home (superstitious), but I do know that one problem I will have to address is starter related.

After hitting the key to start it, the starter keeps running...not always, but most of the time. I think the guy I'm getting it from, said if he pops the battery cable off it will kick off the starter and then he can reattach the cable and drive it normally.

Where do I start? I'm kind of leaning toward the solenoid, but could it be in the starter switch itself or something else? This is on a 425 Buick Nailhead (that's the only hint about the car until I have the keys in my hand)

Thanks guys

 

[Old Iron]

The solenoid is most likely the culprit.
The spring gets weak or is actually broken.

 

[Bamamav]

The solenoid is most likely the culprit.
The spring gets weak or is actually broken.

A low battery will sometimes cause that to happen, too.

 

[kenny c]

If there is a relay before the solenoid it could be the problem. If you disconect the signal wire from the solenoid while it is still cranking on it's own and it stops cranking the problem is most likely in the solenoid. Good luck.

 

[sgtpontiac]

The starter drive is pulled back by the solenoid...

there is a plunger inside the solenoid and a fork connecting the drive to the starter armature shaft....it throws it into the flywheel then starts it spinning....after the disc contacts the two main posts of the solenoid battery and starter......
gummed up shaft the drive rides on....bad fork pivot pin or sticking solenoid plunger all could cause it....I would doubt the solenoid is bad per se since it engages....just doesn't release.....oh and there is a return spring of sorts between the plunger and the bore of the solenoid....

 

[Sam_Fear]

Do the battery cable trick to get it home. Sarge is probably right, it's just gummed up. If it were a wiring problem or the contacts were welding themselves together, disconnecting the battery cable wouldn't solve it.

 

[sneakysnake]

If you mix up the "S" and "I" wire on the start sol it will do that too.

 

[RoddingRon]

A low battery will sometimes cause that to happen, too.

I'm sure the battery being weak isn't part of the problem

If there is a relay before the solenoid it could be the problem. If you disconect the signal wire from the solenoid while it is still cranking on it's own and it stops cranking the problem is most likely in the solenoid. Good luck.

I'll have to check this option out.

there is a plunger inside the solenoid and a fork connecting the drive to the starter armature shaft....it throws it into the flywheel then starts it spinning....after the disc contacts the two main posts of the solenoid battery and starter......
gummed up shaft the drive rides on....bad fork pivot pin or sticking solenoid plunger all could cause it....I would doubt the solenoid is bad per se since it engages....just doesn't release.....oh and there is a return spring of sorts between the plunger and the bore of the solenoid....

This is kind of what I was thinking, that something is gummed up or worn...but till I get it home, I wanted to get some suggestions on where else I might look

If you mix up the "S" and "I" wire on the start sol it will do that too.

It doesn't hang up all the time though. It does work normally some times so I kind of doubt that the wires are mixed up



Thanks guys for all the suggestions. When I get it home I'll let ya know what I find

 

[Neverdone]

If the starter sticks, does it eventually release or no?

 

[RoddingRon]

If the starter sticks, does it eventually release or no?

I'm not sure. That wasn't something he said it did...just it worked normal or if it didn't, by popping the battery cable it would release. Sorry I can't add any more insight (yet)