Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Starter stuck on

[drees1]

I know this is well documented but I have a few questions so I'm sure I am addressing the right thing.



Yesterday after a 2nd cold start, the starter stayed engaged after the truck started and the fuel stayed on so the truck ran with the key out. By the time I figured it out and unlocked my topper to get pliers to disconnect the battery it quit running just as I was about to get on the battery terminals. I let the starter cool down and it ran fine, and has for a few days since.



Is this the starter contact problem? Should I order Larry B's contacts? Also, whats the best way to get the starter out and what tools needed?



If I unplug the fuel solenoid would that have shut it down? The starter would probably keep turning, true?



Thanks for any help,

Doug Rees

 

[johnrv4]

Mine did the same thing

My '97 did the same thing recently. It was the starter contacts on mine. The one connected to the battery terminal was paper thin, but the other one looked like new. I think this causes the solenoid plunger to hang up and the starter continues to run. Mine did it a couple of times at start up, and I didn't realize it was the starter. It sounded like a bad throw out bearing making noise and would stop after a couple of seconds. I knew right away it was the starter after I turned the truck off and it continued to run. You're right about the starter continuing to run if you unplug the solenoid-it would continue to crank. I can't remember off the top of my head what metric wrenches I needed, but it wasn't difficult to remove and replace the starter and contacts. I got mine from Larry B, but I see there are a few other people selling the larger contacts on Ebay also. Hope this helps.

 

[Joe G.]

Doug,



You want to get that fixed ASAP. It can cause your fuel solenoid to burn up.



You will need a 12 point 10mm box end wrench and some muscle to remove the three starter screws.

 

[illflem]

If you don't have the tools to disconnect the batteries if the starter sticks banging on the starter with a tire iron or rock will usually disengage it.

Pulling the wires to the solenoid would be my first step though even if I had tools for the battery. That sucker is just too expendsive to have to replace.

 

[LarryB]

Re: Mine did the same thing

Originally posted by johnrv4

I got mine from Larry B, but I see there are a few other people selling the larger contacts on Ebay also. Hope this helps.

Beware of people selling cheap inferior contacts. I'v had a supplier try to sell me non OEM contacts that were 20% thinner but the same shape, at a cheaper price. When you are stuck with a truck that won't start or burns up the solenoid, price is secondary in my opinion.



Buyer beware!

LarryB

 

[drees1]

Thanks, all. I guess I know what I'm going to be doing this weekend! Good tip on saving the fuel solenoid by unplugging it.



Doug