Sticky Starter - Will not stop turning

[espurgeo]

My starter sometimes doesn't stop trying to start the vehicle. It just keeps cranking, and cranking, and cranking. I am afraid to burn the starter up or toast my batteries (plus, I have to just sit there and wait for it) The only way to get it to stop is to actually get the engine to kick, but sometimes the engine just doesn't (flooded or something). Any ideas on how to correct this? I saw another tech article that said this was not a bendix type, that it has clutches, but I am not sure what all that means. Should I be looking into the floor switch or the starter itself? Is there some adjustment? Next best thing is a battery disconnect switch, which I may do anyways, but I am afraid to throw it with all those starter amps going through it for fear of the giant flash of sparks that might occur.

My manual doesnt show much detail here, does any one have a manual specifically for this?

Eric

[wesk]

Your kick pedal actuates the large capacity switch on top of the starter which then feeds the main battery power directly to the motor windings. Only two troubles will create your symptoms.

1-Kick pedal linkage not adjusted correctly. It should not close the contacts in the electrical switch untill the starter drive pinion is fully engaged with the flywheel's ring gear. When released the return spring should immediately remove pedal pressure from the switch.

2-Kick pedal adjustment is ok but switch contacts are damaged and stick together under load. Try to disassemble switch and clean it out thoroughly and file the contact faces clean and flat. If problem persists a new switch will be needed.


This is the later switch but the earlier is very similar. Items N K & T are the culprits whose contact faces become burned and corroded and will begin to stick or leak current when shut down.