Starter wont disengage

[deuce1911]

Had replaced my ignition switch cable thinking that was the problem and it seemed fine but just now i went to start her up and i after the first turn i could hear the starter turning over even with the key in the off posistion. What do you guys think it could be?

 

[natvet]

prolly need to know engine type and year model maybe even a pic of the wiring to the starter

 

[deuce1911]

Yea sorry. Its a 74 with the F motor

 

[edwjmcgrath]

Why did you replace the ignition switch cable? What was the problem before?

Can you be more explicit about what the problem is now:
Key is off-presumably the starter doesn't turn?
Key turned to start-what happens?
Key released to on-what happens?
Key turned to off-what happens?

 

[deuce1911]

Why did you replace the ignition switch cable? What was the problem before?

Can you be more explicit about what the problem is now:
Key is off-presumably the starter doesn't turn?
Key turned to start-what happens?
Key released to on-what happens?
Key turned to off-what happens?

I took the ignition cable off to look and see if the connections were worn or if there was some sort of visible problem with it. I ended up dropping it on the pavement and well she broke. So i ordered a new one. As for the key positions and effects

Key is off - nothing
Key turnd to acc - starter engages. Not full bore but it seems to be making a concerted effort.
Key turned to start - engine starts just fine
Key turned to on - engine runs fine
Key turned to off - engine shuts down. On one occasion the motor didnt start right away, i moved key to off position and heard the starter still engaging, had to run around and disconnect battery ricki tick! Then on one occoasion the engine wouldnt shut off. I turned key to off twicw before it would shut down.

After spending a few days on researching i found that one problem might be the key cylinder. Ive read that they can get worn and mis aligned resulting in what i have been experiencing. Any other ideas are more than welcomed and appreciated!

 

[cjgoode]

Sounds like you need a new ignition switch.

 

[deuce1911]

I got one orderd. I thought that might be wht it was, i just needed to hear someone else say it

 

[JRoybal]

I had this happen to me when I repalced the starter in my 71 fj40. It turned out to be a sticking solenoid on the starter. I exchanged the starter and no problems.

 

[deuce1911]

I was gonna try that too but its only a year old. If the cylinder doesnt work ill get the solenoid tested. Thanks

 

[NoeyR]

Yeah before throwing parts at the vehicle, diagnose it with what you have on hand to try to eliminate stuff.

Like the quoted, I'd try to bench test the starter first beforehand as it may be a sticky solenoid.

Its been a while but from trying to remember:

- remove the starter
- to test the engagement (solenoid part, internal drive gear popping out), use a good set of jumper cables & attach the positive lead to the positive terminal of the solenoid to the positive of the battery
- then attach the negative from the battery to the negative on the solenoid
- the gear should pop out without spin

- to test the full engagement (drive gear popping out plus rotation), use the same connection as above & get a thick plastic coated handle screwdriver (wear gloves, safety glasses), & go across the positive & negative leads on the solenoid
- the drive gear should pop out & spin

- to test the drive gear for spin, attach the positives as above, then ground the negative on an unpainted part of the starter housing
- you should hear internal drive gear spin (but not pop out)

Remember to place your foot on the starter as it has a lot of torque.

Hope that helps.

I had this happen to me when I repalced the starter in my 71 fj40. It turned out to be a sticking solenoid on the starter. I exchanged the starter and no problems.

 

[edwjmcgrath]

Sticky solenoid might cause it to keep cranking in the ON position but wouldn't cause the starter to engage when you turn it to ACC from OFF.
I'm betting on the ign switch.

 

[NoeyR]

Possibility here too.

Get a good multi-meter and wiring diagram to test the switch. Will need it to be fed 12v on or off the vehicle.

Also double check all wiring & connections & grounds.

Sticky solenoid might cause it to keep cranking in the ON position but wouldn't cause the starter to engage when you turn it to ACC from OFF.
I'm betting on the ign switch.

 

[deuce1911]

Roget that fellas. Thanks a million forthe ideas!