Electrical Problem: Everything Hot

[MCOULTER]

Strange thing happened the other day. I am running an electric fuel pump that runs off my ignition switch. I was setting my distributer and bumping the engine over using the switch. After 1 click the starter continued to turn without the switch (in fact I turned the switch off and it still was turning?).

I was able to stop it by hitting my battery disconnect switch. Now each time I turn on the battery disconnect it turns the motor over automatically without the switch.

I tried replacing the switch - same problem. Could I have a bad solenoid? All wires are coming off the single terminal on the solenoid. I did notice that my electric fuel pump no longer comes on when under battery power?

[jschiller]

It may be the solenoid but I doubt it, more likely a short circuit somewhere else. You replaced the ignition switch already? Rap the solenoid mounted on the starter with a mallet and see if it disengages, otherwise look for a stuck relay in the starting circuit.

John

[master]

Sounds like your solenoid contact points are fused together. Check your control voltage to the solenoid with the ignition off. If there is no control voltage the solenoid is bad.

[Mr.Fixit]

It has a 90% chance of being the solenoid.
I would never fire up on a new solenoid unless the hood was open and I had a 13mm wrench in my pocket to whack the top of the solenoid housing if it got stuck.

[strictlypersonl]

The solenoid is easy to check. Disconnect both small wires. If the solenoid is still "stuck", the solenoid is defective.

If the solenoid is no longer stuck, check the voltage at the the wire from the ignition switch. It should be dead unless the key is turned to the "start" position. See page 9 here for the circuit.