Starter Sticking

[Drstitt]

When you turn the key and the engine starts cranking, it will not stop, even if you release the key. The engine will just continue to crank until the car finally starts. If you cannot get it started, all you can do is disconnect the battery. If you can get it started, everything works fine. The engine stops cranking, meaning the starter does not grind.

After the car is warm, you do not notice the problem because the engine fires right away.


Basically, the car will continue to crank until the engine starts.

So far, the starter has been rebuilt with a new solenoid attached. This did not fix the problem. Then, we installed a new ignition switch. (the switch mounted above the steering column down towards the firewall).

I am extremely perplexed with this situation. If anyone has any ideas, please let me know.

 

[DDLS3]

Yes I have seen this happen once or twice and this might be the problem. Was there a shim between the starter and the block that was not replaced? I don't know if the original was shimmed or not, but in any case it appears that yours may require a shim to function correctly. What happens is the gear fit between the starter and the flywheel is too tight and will not allow the starter to correctly engage, or in your case dissengage. The shim is available at most parts stores for pennies. Try it, if the starter does not engage properly remove it, but I think that this may solve your problem.