Sticky Starter Solenoid

A couple weeks ago I was having issues with my starter solenoid sticking on. I opened it up and flipped over the disc and it seemed fine. Yesterday I had the problem come back. I have probaly started the car less than 20 times since the rebuild.

So should I just go and buy a new one, or is there something else that I am missing.

The motor in question is a 235 6cyl out if a 54 Chevy truck.

 

I had a faulty ignition switch do this once. Seems that years of use had burned some carbon tracks into the bakelite housing. There was enough resistance in the carbon that it wouldn't let the current flow with the switch off, BUT when you turned the starter switch on it woudl STAY on as the current could now "ride" the carbon tracks!!!

Only way I found it was with a meter (VOM) and it was driving me nuts until I found it!!!!!

Took it apart - ground out the bad sections - filled with epoxy - problem solved!

 

I thought about that first, but it does it with the switch byp***ed too. And if I wack the solenoid it will disengage.

 

TAKE THE STARTER BENDIX AND PLUNGER APART AND CLEAN IT,DONT
USE ANY LUBRICANT ON IT.
IF THAT WONT DO IT, REPLACE IT.

 

What the bendix? I cleaned the solenoid plunger alredy. It had a bit of rust on it.

 

The bendix mech. KATFISH is talking 'bout is the linkage from solenoid plunger to the flywheel gear shaft, the gear, and the shaft itself that the gear rides on. (Right, KATFISH?) There is a helical "thread" on the gear shaft that causes the gear to turn as it engages the flywheel (so it catches the teeth in case it is not lined-up when you shut it off). Sticking of the solenoid plunger, any linkage between solenoid and the gear, or the gear on the shaft "helix" can cause the starter to "hang". No lube req'd, I think, as KATFISH says... There is also a spring (I think) that disengages the stater gear from flywheel (pushes it back on the shaft helix) when the solenoid releases - this could also be defective but more likely the linkage/mech, is sticking and the spring just can't push it back.

Haven't looked at one of these in a long time but if I am out-to-lunch KATFISH will straighten me out!

 

See alot this problem at my auto parts store. I would change the soleniod. My 2 cents.