Constant Starter Engagement

CR427NJ · #1 (**permalink**) 08-08-2005, 07:16 PM

I installed a rebuilt 351w in my Cobra and had it running briefly a couple of times but yesterday the battery got weak so I put the charger on it. Charger kept cycling on and off so I removed positive cable and connected charger directly to positive terminal. After charging for a few hours I went to put cable back and I am getting constant power to starter as soon as I put the cable on tight. I checked all over for a short but can find nothing. Could a solenoid gone bad cause this? It was a new one. After turning the air blue I gave up. Any ideas?

Rick Parker · #2 (**permalink**) 08-08-2005, 08:27 PM

The buss bar in the solenoid is temporarily fused to the contacts. Tap on it firmly with something like the handle of a screwdriver. Then reattach the cables, if doing that a coule of times doesn't cure the problem, then replace the solenoid.

Rick

Excaliber · #3 (**permalink**) 08-08-2005, 09:28 PM

Good suggestion Rick, to follow up on that.

If it is STILL stuck after tapping on it, disconnect the small wire on the "S" terminal of the solenoid. When you turn on the key that sends 12 volts to the S terminal energizing the solenoid. The "I" terminal typically sends 12 volts direct to the ignition system ONLY when the solenoid (starter) is actually engaged.

If the S terminal has 12 volts and the key is NOT on, the key switch is "stuck" on, or something.

CR427NJ · #4 (**permalink**) 08-09-2005, 01:31 PM

Rick,
Problem solved, thanks to you. I should have remembered that old school trick of tapping on things to "unstick" them. Thanks again.
Wayne