Help...Starter keeps running even after key moved to off!

[asd]

Last week the starter on my 92 SN stayed running even after I turned the key off. Had to pull the battery cable to shut it off. I had the starter rebuilt and installed a new relay as I figured it must have welded itself closed. First try after installing the new parts today, it did the same thing!

Battery is new & charged and only drops to 11.5 volts when cranking and the engine is cranking over nicely so I don't think it's a lack of juice issue.

After this happened today I tested the relay switch by disconecting the big positive lead at the starter and cycling the key several times. The relay was clicking like it should (I also tested with a meter across the 2 big terminals on the relay to ensure it was opening and closing the circuit properly and it was working...this was done about 10 minutes after the starter/relay locked up if you will)

Any ideas...

Could it be the ignition switch?

Would it be hard to run new wires from the dash to the motor?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[/b]

[NCH2oSki]

RE: Help...Starter keeps running even after key moved to off

I do believe you have some wires crossed on your relay. Search on here there is a diagram that shows the correct wiring. I did the same with mine when I replaced it.

[jeepn]

RE: Help...Starter keeps running even after key moved to off

i have intermittently had the same problem with my 92 SN. Starter has been rebuilt, and the relay replaced since it first happened.

It still happens occasionally. To help make it easier to rectify when it happens we have added quick disconnects to the battery. We are pretty sure it is the relay since sometimes the only way to fix this once it happens is to give the relay a good smack with the big ratchet i keep in the boat.

I just purchased another relay, and of course it hasn't been happening lately, so the new relay is just riding around in the glovebox.

[Rick]

RE: Help...Starter keeps running even after key moved to off

How is your relay grounded. If the relay isn't grounded well I wonder if the ground is then only ata the starter and as such the relay cannot be shut off.

[Thesnowman]

RE: Help...Starter keeps running even after key moved to off

If I understand correctly I believe that I had a similar problem. After cranking it continiued to try to start? I was told to tap on the solenoid(spelling?) and that took care of the problem. I have a master kill switch and used that to disengage the starter the first time, once the power was off I tapped the solenoid and tried it again and it worked fine. Just something to try...

[asd]

RE: Help...Starter keeps running even after key moved to off

I checked the wire diagram and it's wired properly.

I just checked voltage at starter relay (small yellow wire w/red stripe and ground) and it is dropping to 9.3 volts when starter is cranking.

I also checked the amp draw of the freshly rebuilt starter and I'm getting a reading of 235 amps! Not sure if I'm setting the meter up correctly because that number seems way too high. Had the meter set on "mv" with clamp placed around the cable to the starter.

I'm thinking of switching to the smaller & more efficient permanant magnet style starter motors used on the newer boats but not sure if that's a band-
aid or a cure.

[asd]

RE: Help...Starter keeps running even after key moved to off

Got it freed up today by tapping solenoid and was able to test it with meters on the system (see results below)...it did not hang up again durring testing so it appears to be an intermitent thing.

meter readings:

-Actuater voltage to solenoid while cranking (yellow w/red stripe)
(10 volts dropping to 9.5 volts after 10 seconds of cranking)

-Starter voltage while cranking
(10.3 volts dropping to 10 volts after 10 seconds of cranking)

-Starter Amp draw while cranking (checked @ pos. cable to starter)
(225 amps)

Does anyone know if these voltage numbers are in the proper range or not?

I know it's not the batery because I also jumped it with another good strong battery and got the same numbers with 2 batteries in parallel as I did with only one battery. Maybe I'm getting loss in the main battery cables but they look good and main ground connection at engine block is clean and solid.

[herd2243]

RE: Help...Starter keeps running even after key moved to off

Hi there, first post on this site, but some great info on here!!! Thought I would speak up on this post since I have some experience on this.....
I had the same problem on my 88, with starter kept turning over after start up and your right it is the solenoid that causes it, tapping it does work but it will eventually it will keep happening and sticking. Better just to replace the solenoid at the back of the engine.

[asd]

RE: Help...Starter keeps running even after key moved to off

Glad to have you on board Herd! I will be putting a new starter relay in but what I really want to know is what the voltages should read if all systems are working as new. If there is an underlying issue I will just keep burning up the relays.

[asd]

RE: Help...Starter keeps running even after key moved to off

I just replaced the starter with a permanent magnet style. It draws less current and works great.

I also cleaned all Bat. terminals and ground points and it helped a little. I'm convinced my system is good and is now opperating within average tollerances.

I'm getting 10.5 volts at (new) starter while cranking.

The relay was original OEM then replaced last week with a Sierra which promptly stuck, and today I installed a relay made for automotive use (not marine but can't see why it would need to be...it's sealed the same as the marine unit)

System seems to be functioning very well now with the newer style starter. I will water test and let you all know how it goes.

Thanks for all the help!