Starter Runs-On, 49 Chrysler

[Bryan G]

Something new that my New Yorker started doing: keyed ignition, the key springs back from start to run just fine...when cranking, the starter is running for about a second or so after I release the key. Now, the factory setup grounds the solenoid through the generator armature (I believe that's correct) so it has no power once the engine is turning on its own, but I'm temporarily running an alternator. But this issue didn't creep up until this past week. Has to be either the switch or the solenoid, right? I'm just curious if anyone else has had this problem, before I go trying to diagnose it. (intermittent enough in nature that I suspect it could be hard to nail down.)

[soth122003]

If it just gradually creeped up I would try cleaning the key switch with contact cleaner, and if possible disassemble the switch and inspect it. It may be just a bit crud or corrosion on the contact points. Same with the solenoid.

 

Joe Lee

[MarcDeSoto]

I've had the problem of my starter not releasing when the engine starts.  That's a serious problem, so I'm having an electric shop check out the solenoid.  It could be stuck points or a short in the solenoid.  I also noticed that even when my engine doesn't start, it tends to keep on cranking unless I click the remote starter switch a few more times. And one time when the plugs were out of the engine, the starter started to run real fast and wouldn't stop even when I pulled the remote start switch off the battery!  That's what led me to believe it could be a bad solenoid.  

[dpollo]

I think you are on the right track  but it is a problem which could have serious consequences for the starter and starter drive.