engine continued to crank after key turned off

[dnpowers]

Hey all, I was attempting to start my 1978 85hp evidence when I shut the key off it continued to crank and the negative cable began smoking. I ripped it off the battery and the cranking stopped. The ignition snitch checked out ok. Out of curiosity I grounded a test light to the negative post of the battery and touched it to the engine block and it came on. I appear to have voltage running through my motor???. I started moving the starter solenoid around and the voltage disappeared. Can a starter solenoid go bad and direct current from its positive side to its ground (the block)

 

[Bosunsmate]

Re: engine continued to crank after key turned off

Yep it can get tracking through it.
Also the feeder positive cable might have worn bare somewhere.

 

[Bosunsmate]

Re: engine continued to crank after key turned off

They can also get stuck on , though thats rare.
i think i saw it happen once when a spring broke and the solenoid plate welded between the points. Take all your wires off the solenoid and see if you have continuity between the two large posts- you shouldnt

 

[dnpowers]

Re: engine continued to crank after key turned off

When i started moving the solenoid around it stopped the current feed and I cant get it to duplicate so it doesn't test bad right now. Where can I get another. I'm failing with my Google searches using my engine model number

 

[Bosunsmate]

Re: engine continued to crank after key turned off

Check your cabling for frays first.
You should be able to find a solenoid on this site

 

[Bosunsmate]

Re: engine continued to crank after key turned off

scroll down, its on this list
Johnson Starter Solenoids - iboats

 

[boobie]

Re: engine continued to crank after key turned off

Try another solenoid. Sometimes the contacts inside can get welded together from having low battery voltage.

 

[dnpowers]

Re: engine continued to crank after key turned off

The solenoid it lists for my motor doesn't look correct mine has a mounting tab built on it with two holes. Any ideas?

 

[metriccrescentwrench]

Re: engine continued to crank after key turned off

Look at shop2.evinrude.com. You should be able to find your engine, go to a parts diagram, and get the part number. If it's obsolete any OMC dealer can get you the superceded part number.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: engine continued to crank after key turned off

Normally that problem is caused by either using a faulty battery or having loose cables or tight but dirty connections of cables.

The above results in a voltage drop that causes the inner contact area of the starter solenoid to arc. Eventually the arcing results in the inner contacts of the solenoid to stick in the closed position which allows the voltage to flow across the solenoid to the starter.

The cure: Install a new starter solenoid, then clean the cable terminals along with whatever components they attach to, then tighten with either a wrench or pliers.

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: engine continued to crank after key turned off

All the above comments about replacing the solenoid are on target. A factory solenoid does not have a mounting bracket built in. The clamp is separate, along with a rubber band (for shock absorption and insulation) and should have been installed at the factory. These solenoids differ from automotive-having an extra terminal. That extra wire provides in-gear start protection.

 

[phillnjack2]

Re: engine continued to crank after key turned off

ive had the same thing happen a few times.
its the battery too low on voltage !!!!
yep if the battery is not fully charged this can and will happen often.

I tried a few different battery's all old rubbish ones and had same result, took the battery off my car and bingo all perfect and has been since.
so my first port of call would be to check the battery and cables, and make sure you have good clean gound wires.

 

[dnpowers]

Re: engine continued to crank after key turned off

Thanks guys

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: engine continued to crank after key turned off

I've also seen key switches that are full of rainwater create problems like this.