Whats Up With This Starter

[JLAWSON435]

Got in my 88 TC and went to start it. It started but the starter kept going Turned off the key and the starter kept going kept turning off and on it finally quit. Turned key on again everything fine. Went out yesterday it did the same thing turned off and on it stopped. Started OK Whats causing this starter to kep running and not stopping like it should.

[Steve Moran]

This is going to sound crazy but have the charging systen checked. This can happen when the charging system is not up to snuff.

[JLAWSON435]

When you say charging system do you mean the alternator?

[lairdt]

Sounds like a bad started solenoid to me...

[gadget73]

Bad solenoid or the ignition switch is shorting out. If it does this again, open the hood and unplug the small wire from the starter relay. If it continues to spin, smack the relay with the handle of a screwdriver. Once it stops, go to the parts store and pick up a new relay. If it stops as soon as you unplug the small wire, go to the parts store and get a new ignition switch.

[Steve Moran]

Check the alternator, battery and all the connections.
They will need to be load tested with a good charging system tester to find the problem.

[joedogg]

I think that's definatley the soilenoid. I had the same problem once. What happens is the contacts end up fusing together and sticking. Whacking it with a screwdriver allows it disengage sometimes. You can easily find it by tracing the positive cable from the battery. The thing it connects to on the side of the engine bay. It should have 3 posts on it. One that the positive battery connects to and many other things throughout the car (everything basically). One going to the starter. One much smaller slip on connector that's connected the igintion switch. It's essentially a relay.

[Elemino]

Since the starter only gets its power from the solenoid and will only engage and turn when it has power, theres only one possibility. The solenoid is sticking. Keep in mind at the moment the solenoid disconnects the power there is nothing that will make it turn, because the power must go through it.

Very simple test. With the car off and the key out of the ignition, disconnect that little wire that connects to the solenoid. (I'm assuming you know where the solenoid is.) Connect a wire (BY HAND) from the +12v from the battery to the post where the wire connects. The starter should attempt to turn the engine over. Disconnect the wire. It should stop immediately. If it continues to turn the engine over, replace the solenoid. Run the test about 3 or 4 times allowing the engine to turn about 3 seconds each time. If neither time the starter continues to run, you may need to check the ignition switch for problems.

BTW... in no way, possibility, or manner can the alternator/charge system be responsible for this behavior... The Elemino has spoken... :D

Edit: Sorry I just read what gadget said... same test, but he gave a much shorter explanation.

[Steve Moran]

I guess you can do what you want to but Working in an auto parts store for years and diagnosing and testing many cars starting and charging systems for at least two and a half decades I guess I could be wrong.
I say sure, tell the guy to spend money on a solenoid. It really makes no biggie to me, it is not my money.
I just offered him a free idea to have his system checked first before he throws money (maybe needlessly) at a car.

If the testing equipment is a Midtronics tester it will tell him if it is a solenoid or not also, it tests the starting system as well as the charging system.

P.S., Due to the fact most Ford starters do not have a return spring such as GM and many others, It uses inertia and a magnetic force from the motor its self to push the drive back away from the flywheel.

[Elemino]

It uses inertia and a magnetic force from the motor its self to push the drive back away from the flywheel.Very true, a very very strong magnetic force. In fact, so strong that if the magnets cannot move the armature (sp?) the motor must be seized and therefore does not work at all.

[Steve Moran]

Without a doubt testing the system without spending money will give us the answer.

[gadget73]

Well, the alternators on these things are all garbage, so I say install a new 130 amp just for the heck of it.