Hambers looking for advise. My old likely original starter finally got weak and as such I purchased a new one with solenoid rather than rebuild my old one. Big mistake....... Installed the new starter, It worked perfectly, spin quickly and smoothly x 10 or so starts then hung up and would not disengage. The starter continues to spin regardless of key position or even removing the key. I disconnect the battery tried it again and it did perfect for several more starts until it hung up again. The way I look at this the problem can be either electrical, or mechanical meaning it is to tight. Most "experts point to "too tight it needs to be shimmed" but despite it being properly adjusted I added some shims and no change. I admit I don't understand how this could be the issue but would welcome anyone that could explain it to me. How would being too "tight" allow the starter to continue to spin when power is removed. The truck isn't running, power is off and its still spinning. Please explain. Electrical issues to me could be on the ignition side (switch thru starter) or possibly a faulty solenoid. To check this I plan on starting it again until it hangs and then quickly checking with my OHM meter to see if power is being supplied to the starter with the key in the off position. I will also check before my attempt to see if I have no reading at "off" and voltage in accessory position. This of course will take some time and in my mind fry the starter which at this point needs replaced anyhow.........that may be and likely is the problem. Finally some people mention "magnetic interference". Umm that is a little too high tech for me to understand or believe. Somebody tell me what Im missing or what you would suggest......... Thanks all Rob
Instead of using a meter, which takes a while to read, connect up a 12volt light bulb to your solenoid terminal, and hang it where you can see it while you crank. If it goes out after the key is let go, it's a mechanical problem. What is your motor?
Low voltage can also cause the solenoid to stay engaged, check for a bad battery or voltage drop due to a bad cable.
Had this same problem too, the wire clip on the end of the armature had jumped out of its groove allowing the pinion to move too far forward which holds the fork against the solenoid plunger. You have to disconnect the battery to stop it turning.
Take your starter back off and check the br*** bushing at the bendix end at the end of the shaft. They are cheaply made and when they break, your starter will run forever. you can replace it in 10 mins or so on a workbench or swap starters at the parts store. I have had this problem more than once and its an easy fix. I hope it works out for you.
Check the solenoid. The Chinese made ones you get now days have quality issues. I have to replace the Ford style one on my IH farm tractor every year. It will do exactly as you describe, or not work at all.
I stopped using parts store starters years ago. I have a local auto-electric shop rebuild MY starters and alternators. The small shops stand by their work, the reality is that I've never had one go bad after they were done with it.
thanks all for the advice. I will be pulling it this evening. It sounds like you all agree with m that this is in no way related to fitment/shimming issues......its electrical. I will post up what i find.
Well all electrical from key to starter good, changed ground out. Battery charged. At this point it has to be the new solenoid. Thanks for all the help
Alternator went out on my BMW and I had it rebuilt at a local re builder, 9 months later, it went out again and they rebuilt it again under 1 year warranty but did say the warranty was from original rebuild date and the second rebuild only had 3 months left on the warranty. Less than a year later it went out again and I said the hell with it and bough one from the chain parts store, at least it got a life time warranty.
Remove the solenoid and reinstall the starter. Work the linkage that engages the Bendix by hand, feeling for any bind or sticking. If it all works smoothly, put on a new solenoid and try it again. If it sticks again, you probably have a low voltage issue. Check the grounds.
lots of folks shim between starter and block but never check the hidden shim that changes the engagement depth on flex plate--I am guessing you have a mini starter style--take the aluminum block off and there is a round shim that will decrease depth of engagement--worked for me anyway
It ended up being a solenoid issue, bench tested it and it did the same, replaced it and no more issue. This did cause me to take the time to install a battery quick (dis) connect. Thanks all.
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