Archived bad solenoid?

[PKerslake]

Greetings, this is my first post on TDR, thanks in advance for the assistance!



I have a '89 W-250 with the 727 and 5. 9 diesel (400k+ miles!!!)



Recently after a heavy rain, I went to start the truck and found the battery completely drained.



Recharged it, started the truck up, and everything seemed fine.



As soon as I tightened up the battery connections and slammed the hood, the starter engaged and started running, even after I shut the truck off... . I think you all know the rest of the story (plus I had a broken hand, f**k!)



My mechanical experience would point me to a bad or failing solenoid, but is there anything else I should check? I have had my cummins for a few years, but due to its reliability, simplicity, and quality I have hardly had to work on it!



Thanks,

Patrick

 

[Sticks]

If closing the hood caused the starter to start running on it's own (good thing you were not in gear), my first guess is that the starter signal line is shorted to power somewhere between the ignition and the starter solenoid.

It is possible that the solenoid return spring is broken and the "bump" from the hood closing closed the connection, but that would be a first for me.

Trace your wiring from the starter back to the firewall to see if there is a wear through point or terminals touching.

Sorry to hear that your truck bit you.

 

[PKerslake]

Thanks a million, I'll check that out. I also ordered a starter rebuilt kit with new contacts, etc. from the guy that is a member or advertises here just in case.



I'm hoping that it was just a coincidence that when I slammed the hood the starter started running. The truck has had a long, hard life--it wouldn't surprise me if the return spring was broken and the bump completed the circuit.