Turn key - cant stop turning over

[Keith W.]

I put the key in the ignition turn it to crank the engine over - all good - however when I turn / crasnk the vette over and switch the key back to off the starter still keeps on cranking until I loosen the battery terminal / cut the power off.

When I connect the terminal again the engine is dead unill I crank the engine again - just another thing it does not do this all the time - I have changed the ignition switch for new and had the starter checked out OK.

Help guys cheers Keith

[Terry M.]

Re: Turn key - cant stop turning over

I put the key in the ignition turn it to crank the engine over - all good - however when I turn / crasnk the vette over and switch the key back to off the starter still keeps on cranking until I loosen the battery terminal / cut the power off.

When I connect the terminal again the engine is dead unill I crank the engine again - just another thing it does not do this all the time - I have changed the ignition switch for new and had the starter checked out OK.

Help guys cheers Keith

"Changed the ignition switch ..." Did you change the electrical ignition switch or the ignition key and lock assembly?

I would consider the possibility of the starter solenoid sticking as part of your diagnosis -- in spite of what you were told by those who "tested" the starter.

[Keith W.]

Re: Turn key - cant stop turning over

Terry I changed the whole ignition switch - I had a feeling it could be the solenoid guess I was trying to get out from dropping the starter out again, I've got really tight header pipes that are close real knuckle job - thanks for the advice Keith

[Terry M.]

Re: Turn key - cant stop turning over

I would hazard the guess that heat from those headers are doing a number on the solenoid. It may be weakening the spring inside the solenoid. Make sure the mechanical linkage is not binding as well.

[Keith W.]

Re: Turn key - cant stop turning over

Yea its really close, will try and get a starter shield on to deflect some of the heat - good call - cheers Keith

[Russ S.]

Re: Turn key - cant stop turning over

Take the solenoid apart and clean the contacts or in your case where it is so hard to get to you may want to replace the solenoid. They may be arcing together(welding together)

[Duke W.]

Re: Turn key - cant stop turning over

You can buy an inexpensive solenoid rebuild kit at any parts store, which should restore the solenoid to as-new condition as long as the coil is okay, and you should go ahead and rebuild the motor with a new shift lever, brushes, and override clutch. The procedure is in any COM.

Starters and solenoids are easy to rebuild as long as the armature bushings don't need to be replaced, but if they do, a local machine shop can probably do the job.

Duke