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Starter won't stop cranking

videoword

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Went to start my 68 Satellite and now the starter is endlessly cranking - even with the key removed. I had to disconnect the battery to get it to stop.

I've replaced the ignition switch, the lock cylinder, the starter relay... where else do I need to look to figure out what the heck is going on?

Thank you!
 
it's more than likely the starter itself, the solinoid is stuck, making the contact between the hot post and the small post.
 
After you disconnect battery did you reconnect battery and would it start cranking again?
 
Yes, or rebuild it depends on how the shaft for the bendix looks.
You may be able to just clean and lubricate the shaft.
 
Maybe, I'd wait for other opinions. Could be a short. Can you tell if starter disengages with battery disconnected.
 
I'll bet it doesn't.
Try giving it a whack with a hammer but that's just a temporary fix.
 
I'll bet it doesn't.
Try giving it a whack with a hammer but that's just a temporary fix.

Thanks for all the feedback, I guess I'll get a new starter - maybe this on is still under warranty. It's a Summit Racing brand mini-starter that I got 6 months ago. Any thoughts on starters so I don't make this mistake again?
 
That is a surprise, I was thinking it was the old gear reduction Mopar unit.
Make sure you do not have power on the smaller gauge solenoid wire.
Take the heavy lug wire off the starter and insulate from touching any metal, reconnect at the battery and put a meter on the smaller one.
It should have no voltage with key off, then try the start position you should see 12V.
See what Summit says, it should last nearly forever.
 
That is a surprise, I was thinking it was the old gear reduction Mopar unit.
Make sure you do not have power on the smaller gauge solenoid wire.
Take the heavy lug wire off the starter and insulate from touching any metal, reconnect at the battery and put a meter on the smaller one.
It should have no voltage with key off, then try the start position you should see 12V.
See what Summit says, it should last nearly forever.

Ok cool, I'll slide under there and check to see if something came loose or a connection is being made where it shouldn't. Also, I think they'll just send me a replacement if it's bad. Glad to know I picked a decent one, at least.
 
Was this a fresh install? Some mini starter guys had the large lug hit the block.
 
now that you say it's a newer starter I would bet the hot wire from the battery might have moved a little and is touching the small stud or nut on the stud.
 
Simple as this; set up a test for 12 volts on the small stud of the starter. Hook up the battery, it starts cranking on its own right? So, if you show 12 volts on the small stud, the problem is NOT the starter. If you show -0- volts on the small stud, with no input from you, or the ignition switch then pull the starter and have it repaired. If it does indeed look like it's not the fault of the starter, take the wiring loose from the small stud. Now you should be able to hook up the battery and it won't crank like that. So, if that's the case, you can troubleshoot the wiring feeding the small terminal by working your way back upstream to the ignition switch, relay, etc. Don't just throw parts at it!
 
Solenoid is probably stuck in the "engage" position. The contact points could be burnt and stuck together. Remove and do a bench test.

When you remove look at where the bendix is. If it's out in the engage position then maybe some cleaning and lube could be done.

Good luck
 
I had this exact same thing happen to me, it was the starter relay on the firewall. The contacts broke and were shorting out. Replace the starter relay
 
I had this exact same thing happen to me, it was the starter relay on the firewall. The contacts broke and were shorting out. Replace the starter relay

Unfortunately, I already did. No dice.
 
leave the relay disconnected and hook up the battery, if the motor cranks problem is at starter, if motor doesn't crank problem is ignition switch or wiring to relay.
 
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