Starter won't disengage

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This has been happening off and on for about a couple of months now. Everynow and then (unpredictable) when I start my Cummins, there is a grinding sound after the engine has fired and when I try and turn it off, the engine sorta stops, but it keeps going like the starter is staying engaged. It sounds like its cranking really fast, but since the ignition is off, there is no fuel to allow it to fire. If i turn the key back on, it fires up again. Now eventually it will stop, and I can just restart the truck like nothing happened. Any ideas? A short in the starting system maybe? Thanks!
Josh

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'91 D-250, Cummins, 3 speed auto, 165k, Hurculiner bedliner, after market bumper,custom one tone metallic blue paint job (sorry no pics) and completely stock... . for now anyway

 

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I don't know what to tell you other than check the starter relay switch, that it may be sticking sometimes. Hopefully this is what it is, cheapest to fix. Do you have to disconnect the battery to get it to quit?

Please figure out what it is quickly take it somewhere if you have to!! I had a friend's BroncoII not too long ago catch on fire and burn to the ground within minutes, his GF was driving and got out just in time. The mechanic who looked at it afterwards said the starter was stuck on (while she was driving--only a few miles).

BH

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Wes Walden
'90 D250 5. 9TD 170k
The daily driver
'69 Chrysler Newport 383 "SS MOPAR"
'72 Valiant Pro Street Supercharged 383

 

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Well I may be showing my age here a bit but... . in the ole days this would happen if the solenoid that engages the starter to the flywheel got sticky. Some times the thing would stick in the engaged position. It sounds like the thats what is happening and the revs on the flywheel keep trying to throw the spring loaded starter gear back, hence the grinding/growling sound. If this is even close to whats happening it is NOT a good thing. You may be chewing up your flywheel,and the starter gear. I had a this happen to a couple of starters on an old 318cu. in. gas pot.
Just a thought.

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93. 5 D250 4X4,HD Spring Pkg, Rancho 7000's, Rear Swaybar,Dual Shock Front Stabilizer,BD Injectors,31/2" Mandrel bent exhaust,16cm 'Hot End',Modest Pump Tweaks/Timed,K&N Air,Isspro Pyro,Tach,transmission Temp,Auto Meter Oil Filled Boost Ga. , 3:54's, 4 Speed Auto, Clubcab, Aftermarket Reclining Buckets w/ctr Drop Down seat/console, Black over Silver, 21psi,285-65R-16's,American Racing Clear Coat Mags, Amsoil 15W-40HD Marine,12,000 lb. Warn Winch,KC Spots. 97,000 Kms.

 

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I had that happen on my '92.
My problem was a worn battery cable created a short and energized the starter as I was driving. I really got worried when I stopped and got out of the truck. It was still running, but was quite rough. Then I realized I had the keys in my hand!
I popped off the battery cable to stop it. When I hooked it back up, the starter engaged.
Fooling with the wire stopped the problem until I could replace it.

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'92 D250 Club Cab "tweaked", '65 Plymouth Max Wedge clone twin turbo 440 4 speed, and high powered plinkers!
Too much power is just right!

 

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Thanks guys. I'll have to have it looked at. I'll clean the battery connections and see if that doesn't do the trick first. Then I'll have the relay checked out. All in due time. Its in the shop getting painted right now. I won't have her back until Monday. Thanks again.
Josh

 

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While not directly related, I had a problem once while flying a Piper Aztec aircraft. For a few weeks, when starting the right engine, and by then the left one was already running, the starter wouldn't engage, kept having to jab the starter button until it took a hold and the prop moved, then it would start. Problem happened when the starter bendix didn't disengage. Flew for an hour and a half, landed at home base, OAT was hot, opened the cabin door for ventilation, could hear a grinding noise. The starter bendix had stayed engaged and the teeth on the ring gear of the flywheel on the Lycoming engine had ground a good chunk of the starter teeth away, allowing the starter itself to stop. New bendix solved the problem.
Ian.

[This message has been edited by Ian (edited 12-31-2000). ]

 

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Wow, I love this forum. I don't know why it took me so long to become a member. Ian, what happened to your plane sounds pretty bad. I hope that doesn't happen to me. I'll have to have everything checked out before long. I don't want to be on the highway and have the starter engage by itself all of the sudden. Thanks for all the help.
Josh

 

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No problem with the Aztec, changed the starter bendix and filed out a few nicks on the ring gear which is just behind the prop but covered by a shroud that can be removed. Probably could not have got another start from the old bendix because of about 120 deg. of its teeth missing. Cannot start those engines by hand due to shower of spark ignition and also could not get the starter off one engine once it was started to fit to the other to start it. Might work on a twin engine Cessna with Continental engines, but not a Lycoming. Got off topic a bit. For info only.

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Ian.

'93 D250 ext. cab. Upgraded injectors, 3. 5" exhaust, K & N filter, Xmsn oil cooler and fan, 4 gauge mount, mirror tubes reversed, RACOR fuel filter, larger transmission oil pan.