Re: Starter Continues to Crank When Engine is Running

Posted by Tim Cole On 2011/5/1 10:33:16

Dear JD:

Forget the hammers because that is an easy way to damage Packards.

You have a real fire hazard on your hands because I have seen cars with stuck starters catch fire. Also, that starter is expensive merchandise and excessive cranking is not good.

From the looks of things this problem has been around for a while because the starter is rebuilt. I haven't seen one of those high reduction starters stick in the on position.

However, to test go to Radio Shack and make up an inline fuse for the left (outside) wire that is the switch feed to the solenoid. Put the thing inline and wait for the unit to stick.

If the disconnecting the fused lead stops the problem then you probably have a wiring harness short.

Remove the cover on the solenoid arm (four screws) and check the return action. It should spring back by itself.

It could be that a part is missing inside the starter.

Good luck,