engine continues to turn over

[aluisuarez]

goodmorning,
i have just restored a '67-250sl. we are trying to start the engine for the first time, and after turning on the key , it continues to turn over after you turn the key off. does anyone have any ideas , as to what could be causing the problem ? thanks/al

[mdsalemi]

I had the same issue--twice--with a rebuilt starter.  Turns out it was an off-brand solenoid that refused to disengage.

The cure was swapping the rebuilt starter (rebuilt from a local auto electrical place) for a Bosch factory rebuilt, which is what you'll find from most of our vendors.

[aluisuarez]

thanks for reply. just had both checked out at an electrical shop. solenoid and starter are both ok....

[mdsalemi]

Alui,

What you had checked out isn't necessarily relevant.  Mine checked out too--twice--on the bench. It was in the car that it did not work!

Rather than go through the exercise a third time with a third off-brand soleniod, we did the swap.

I don't know if this is your problem, but I had the same thing happen, and the same "It's OK, I checked it out" by the electrical shop.  So, reserve the possibility that a bench test won't duplicate exactly, the results you get in the car...

[w113dude]

I would try starting the engine by by-passing the ignition switch. if the problem is still there then it is the solenoid. there is nothing else on the way.

[DaveB]

Wasn't this (running on) the symptom of the wiring problem when the brake fluid is low and the door open?

[Run MBC]

Could the pinion gear on the starter be grooved & is hanging up on the flywheel somehow?

[glenn]

When you say 'turn over', do you mean  1) the starter keep turning and the engine has stopped or 2) the engine continues to run and the starter has stopped or 3) the engine and starter continue to run? 

[aluisuarez]

When you say 'turn over', do you mean  1) the starter keep turning and the engine has stopped or 2) the engine continues to run and the starter has stopped or 3) the engine and starter continue to run? 

engine and starter continue to turn over .

[aluisuarez]

Alui,

What you had checked out isn't necessarily relevant.  Mine checked out too--twice--on the bench. It was in the car that it did not work!

Rather than go through the exercise a third time with a third off-brand soleniod, we did the swap.

I don't know if this is your problem, but I had the same thing happen, and the same "It's OK, I checked it out" by the electrical shop.  So, reserve the possibility that a bench test won't duplicate exactly, the results you get in the car...

....i am assuming its a good solenoid . it came from mercedes classic . but i will check out what you said ..thanks

[glenn]

Sounds like the engine/starter is still 'turning over'?  How did you stop it?(if turning key off, didn't)?  Disconnect battery???  More to this story!!

[mdsalemi]

....i am assuming its a good solenoid . it came from mercedes classic . but i will check out what you said ..thanks

That's a good assumption, but do you have another starter/solenoid combo to try? Might be worth investing in one if you are doing this yourself.

[w113dude]

I recently upgraded a Bosch SR59X  starter on a 250 engine, the new versions are smaller but they work much better, spin faster with more torque. cost is a bout $135.00 or so at www.autohausaz.com might be worth the investment!