Pinion gear on starter won't disengage from ring/flywheel

[danom885]

Hi.

1977 M885 with 318 - Starts but the pinion is stuck and the engine is spinning it up. Yikes.. We were hunting down mechanical reasons but now we're thinking it might be electrical - like the solenoid is still energized with the key in the ON (not start) position. Is this a thing?

Thanks. This is my son's truck, he's 16.

D

 

[NDT]

If that were the case, the starter would engage if you turn the key to ON with the engine not running. Sounds like it's time for a reman starter.

 

[danom885]

Well - I replaced with a reman last night and the old and new (reman) both do the same thing.

 

[87cr250r]

Relays can get permanently magnetized which causes them to stick on.

 

[danom885]

Relays can get permanently magnetized which causes them to stick on.

Ah! I hope this is it. It's too cold to test tonight. thanks.

 

[WillWagner]

Or an alignment issue. Does the bendix stay engaged after key off? If so, turn the engine reverse rotation and see if it pops out. Dykem the bendix and see what the engagement is.