Buick starter issues: need your thoughts

My 55 has a push-****on monentary starter switch under the dash. The starter has begun to engage when the car is running, like the switch was being pushed again. iIt will run a little without engaging, then kick in and out at random, but tend to stay kicked in. I am hoping the switch is bad, and am on my way to NAPA to get another one. Any other causes for this in the wiring or down at the starter? Thanks.

 

It should be in the ****on or the wiring unless the starter was ***embled without a return spring in the solenoid.

 

Not sure whether this applies to your car; Some old GM starters were wired so the starter couldn't be accidentaslly engaged when the engine was running. That was done by grounding the starter circuit through the generator. When the generator is generating it opposes the 12v applied by the start switch. Good idea except that if the starter relay/solenoid develops a short, power from the generator can engage the starter. I know this because I had a car that randomly had this problem. It took me a while to figure out what was happening.

 

From your description,it sounds like you have a non stock starter circuit. That year Buick had the unique feature of starting the car by pushing the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor. After the engine was running, some kind of va***n sensing feature tied in through the carb kept the starter from being engaged. (Never understood it). The carb was the weak link. Someone rewired your starter. I suspect one of the added wires is chafed or nicked and intermittently engaging the starter. Start with the "wiggle test" on the wires between the "momentary switch" and the starter. Good luck.

 

I had the same problem on my 50 Buick,after cleaning the motor and the solenoid getting wet..the starter would engage intermittently when the motor was running.The boot on the solenoid was cracked,moisture got in and caused a short circuit.After replacing the solenoid everything is fine.

 

do you still have the original carb starter switch hooked up as well , if so you may have an issue with that switch or the wiring.