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Starter Problem

Alfred 567

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Mar 11, 2021
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Hello, I am new here but I really need help. My first Dodge and when I hook up the battery the starter kicks in. It doesn't make any difference if the switch is on or not. I am a Chevy Man but I bought a 64 Polara on a WHIM with no engine or trans, and bought a 75 Motorhome to get the 50,000 eng and trans out of.

Right now I just want to get it home so I can Pull them and get rid of the rest. Help Me, I don't Squat about a MOPAR! Sometimes the selonoid kicks in and sometimes not.

Thanks

Al
 
Hello, I am new here but I really need help. My first Dodge and when I hook up the battery the starter kicks in. It doesn't make any difference if the switch is on or not. I am a Chevy Man but I bought a 64 Polara on a WHIM with no engine or trans, and bought a 75 Motorhome to get the 50,000 eng and trans out of.

Right now I just want to get it home so I can Pull them and get rid of the rest. Help Me, I don't Squat about a MOPAR! Sometimes the selonoid kicks in and sometimes not.

Thanks

Al
So, are we talking about the motor home? Motor home wiring can be problematic.
Mike
 
On a Mopar starter of that vintage you will find 2 wires on the starter. The heavy one, of course, is direct from the battery (like Chevrolet), and the smaller wire controls the solenoid on the starter which first pulls the drive into the ring gear, and then allows current to flow to the motor itself (like the small purple wire on Chevrolet). To see why it engages by itself, I would first disconnect the small wire from the starter (at either end of the wire), reconnect the battery, and see if the starter still tries to run on its own. If so, there's something shorting out in the starter itself. As on GMs, the smaller wire will only be fed voltage normally when the key is turned to the crank position. On Mopars turning the key to crank will activate/close the starter relay (providing the neutral safety switch, or clutch switch if equipped, is closed), sending current down the small wire to start the process. Should be able to find a simple wiring diagram of this online.
 
Pull off the inspection cover and see if the starter drive gear is stuck in the forward position.
When it's all the way forward that is when the drive motor is energized.
It happens in the starter itself.
If it is stuck you can try and spray some lube and pry it back to the retracted position.
 
Pull off the inspection cover and see if the starter drive gear is stuck in the forward position.
When it's all the way forward that is when the drive motor is energized.
It happens in the starter itself.
If it is stuck you can try and spray some lube and pry it back to the retracted position.

This is a real possibility. If the starter drive is engaged in the ring gear, it means that the starter solenoid is in the crank position and the main high current contact is closed, connecting the battery to the starter motor windings. Sometimes, a few judicious taps with a dead blow hammer to the outdide of the solenoid housing will free the main contact allowing the starter drive to dis- engage from the ring gear. Use some PB BLASTER, or WD40 or your favorite elixer to lube the starter shaft
BOB RENTON
 
I had this happen once,took a hammer & smacked the starter a few times & it disengaged.
Not a fix but at least it stopped until I could fix it.
 
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