Starter Motor Will Not Shut Off

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bbrnhart

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I have a 4.3L V6 Mercruiser 1992. When I start the motor and release the starter the starter stays engaged. I shut off the ignition and the starter motor continues to crank over the engine. The only way to shut it off is to shut off the battery switch. I suspect that probably blew my alternator also.

I jumped the ignition switch with a spare and it does the same thing, so I believe I ruled out a faulty switch. With this starter what else might it be? The bendix yoke or the solenoid? I suspect the solenoid?

I'm not much of a contortionist and it takes one to remove and install this starter. I want to do it right the first time.
 
Don S

Don S

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Re: Starter Motor Will Not Shut Off

Could be the slave solenoid sticking or the actual starter solenoid.
Did this start on it's own, or were you by some chance working on the starter?
 
M

mbroome

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Re: Starter Motor Will Not Shut Off

I'll bet you 100.00 your positive battery lead going to the starter solenoid (on top of the starter) is crossing over and touching the hot post on the starter itself. Either it was loose and fell or youve been working on it.
 
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bbrnhart

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Re: Starter Motor Will Not Shut Off

I moved it Friday from my old marina to a new one and it ran great. About a 1/2 run between marinas. Went to go for a ride with the family Saturday. Started the engine and the starter would not disengage. Got her shut down, restarted ok. Tried it again and the starter would not disengage again. The bendix yoke is nylon so it would not be frozen.

There is a solenoid on the starter itself. Is there a remote solenoid that might be causing it? I was not aware of a second solenoid??

Thanks

Bob
 
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mbroome

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Re: Starter Motor Will Not Shut Off

you should have the starter solenoid on top of the starter as well as an assist solenoid somewhere on/ near your motor. Either can be stuck closed!
 
Don S

Don S

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Re: Starter Motor Will Not Shut Off

Is there a remote solenoid that might be causing it?
Click to expand...
Yes, it's called a slave solenoid.
Should be an the bracket next to the circuit breaker on the engine.

Startwiring.png
 
B

bbrnhart

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Re: Starter Motor Will Not Shut Off

Thanks guys. I'll give that a try. I just happen to have a spare from a few years ago when my ignition switch went out. I'll try anything before I pull that d*mn starter. I am getting too old for starter removal. I end up with bruises all over from contorting myself in and around the engine trying to reach the starter bolts
 
M

mbroome

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Re: Starter Motor Will Not Shut Off

i feel ya. I just pulled my starter from a 79 wellcraft with a stringer setup. talk about a BIOTCH! I pulled it a week ago and am waiting for my new starter to get here tommorow. Im not cherishing the thought of putting the new one in......
 
C

Coors

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Dec 8, 2006
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Re: Starter Motor Will Not Shut Off

Don has stickies in here; find them and print out, then keep them in the boat.
You need a factory manual, study it good.
Not being able to re-start on open water sucks.
 
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bbrnhart

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Re: Starter Motor Will Not Shut Off

Got her fixed. It was the solenoid on the starter.

I could get her started it was the little extra HP from the starter that bothered me.
 
Don S

Don S

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Re: Starter Motor Will Not Shut Off

I could get her started it was the little extra HP from the starter that bothered me.
Click to expand...

Say What?????

Could you explain that statement please?
 
Scaaty

Scaaty

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Re: Starter Motor Will Not Shut Off

bbrnhart said:
I suspect that probably blew my alternator also.
Click to expand...
Darn good chance ya did...next fire..stick a meter on the the batt..charges with R's, ya OK...if not, toast..most Alts do now like what ya did..but could be wrong, not knowing the whole ball of "boat"..
 
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