New starter & Solenoid - Still hanging up

[ffnptown]

1987 Mustang GT - I am not a motorhead by no means. I know enough to hurt my pony, but this is my delima. A few weeks ago, the bendix and starter remainded engaged when I started it and even after I shut it down unitl it finally took out the bendix. I have replaced both the starter and solenoid, and it does the same thing. I have to disconnect the battery before it will stop. I have triple checked the wiring. Any other suggestions?

 

[HISSIN50]

When this occurs, does the starter side of the solenoid show 12 volts (even after the key is released to the run position)?

If it does, remove the little wire on top of the solenoid and see if the issue abates. If it doesnt, there's a chance the solenoid is latched.

Good luck and welcome to the boards.

 

[ffnptown]

What do you mean "Latched". I tried to remove the small wire, but it kept on going. Had to disconnect the battery.

 

[93 LX]

is your ignition switch sticking?

 

[ffnptown]

I have 4 wires on the same terminal as the battery cable (one with a small metal box attached), one small wire to the top of the solenoid, and one big one to the starter. How do I know which wires are which and what should I be checking for?

 

[HISSIN50]

The common and Normally open contacts in the starter solenoid can stick together (latch). This makes the starter run until you disconnect the battery. If you were to disconnect all wires to the solenoid and put a meter across the two terminals, there should NOT be continuity. (I dont necessarily recommend testing this, as it could create more variables than it's worth).

Since it looks like disconnecting the small wire atop the solenoid did NOT help the situation, that removes the ignition as the culprit. A latched relay is where I'd focus (and ensuring your wiring is correct, if there is doubt).

The trigger wire goes on the top post on the solenoid (it's a small wire with a little bootie IIRC). Then the starter cable goes all by itself on the front solenoid (big) post. All the other crap goes on the rear (battery powered) post. If you have an aftermarket or mini starter, this configuration changes slightly (I assume your 87 to be stock in terms of the starter wiring).

Good luck.