starter didn't stop starting

[expressbus]

I had a similar situation in Boston, 1974, during Christmas week. I had a really fun 1966 Dodge Town Wagon that I had changed the original 318 cubic inch engine out to a 392 cubic inch Hemi. That week the outdoor temperature did not get above -5 degrees. I went out to start the Wagon and it started, but like you, the starter disengaged but kept spinning. I had to remove the battery cable to get it to stop. Yes, the problem was the starter solenoid. I was able to get one locally and did the replacement laying on the concrete floor in my brother-in-laws unheated garage. Never experienced another problem with the starter or solenoid after the fix. I'll never forget the feeling of freezing fingers working on metal bolts at -5 degrees!
My vote goes to your having to replace the starter solenoid.
Good luck on getting yours repaired.

[Bryan]

I had a similar situation in Boston, 1974, during Christmas week. I had a really fun 1966 Dodge Town Wagon that I had changed the original 318 cubic inch engine out to a 392 cubic inch Hemi. That week the outdoor temperature did not get above -5 degrees. I went out to start the Wagon and it started, but like you, the starter disengaged but kept spinning. I had to remove the battery cable to get it to stop. Yes, the problem was the starter solenoid. I was able to get one locally and did the replacement laying on the concrete floor in my brother-in-laws unheated garage. Never experienced another problem with the starter or solenoid after the fix. I'll never forget the feeling of freezing fingers working on metal bolts at -5 degrees!
My vote goes to your having to replace the starter solenoid.
Good luck on getting yours repaired.

Wow! That is COLD!!! Glad you got it fixed though!

[Bryan]

I found out today that one of my batteries was completely dead, ended up replacing both of them, I'm feeling charged and powerful at the moment :-)

[Barn Owl]

My solenoid started sticking soon after I got my bus. It was not the contacts but the body of the solenoid had seemed to have swollen or became deformed in my case. Back then it was a $30 easy fix.

[John Z]

Just in case the new battery or a new solenoid isn't a permanent solution - I had the same thing happening INTERMITTENTLY a few years ago. Every thing I tried, appeared to fix the problem for maybe 8 - 10 starts. After a new solenoid, starter switch, starter relay, and starter rebuild, I was tracing related wiring and found a spot on the wire that runs from relay to starter, that had wore a tiny spot down to bare wire. When this contacted ground, the starter would run. A little electrician tape, and a few zip ties so it does not come in contact, and the problem went away. It's been good for 3+ years. Good luck!

[gus]

I do have a battery disconnect right above the battery, by listening to it, how will I recognize if the starter is still engaged?

It will sound like grinding rocks.

It will also keep the engine running slowly after the fuel is shut off. Don't ask me how I became an expert at this!

There is the solenoid at the starter and also a small relay in the electrical comp. Either one shorted will cause the same symptoms.