STUCK STARTER

[rd200]

On my 65 d-100 318 engine 4 speed this just happened. My starter was beginning to grind when starting. Pulled off the flywheel inspeciton plate and noticed the flywheel ring gear was worn. I replaced the ring gear and installed all new clutch components. We put it all back together. I went to start the engine and the starter just kept running. I quickly remove the battery cable and it stopped. I tried it again and the engine started right up. When the engine started the starter did release and quit spinning. The problem will be if it engine does not start right away I will have to quickly remove the battery cable. Nothing has changed except the ring gear as now it is new. I did have the starter rebuilt about a month ago and it had been working great other than the grinding once or twice. That is when I decided to repair the flywheel gear. My other 65 Dodge truck did this same thing about 25 years ago. I cant remember what the mechanic did to stop the problem. Any suggestions....

[indianajoel]

I believe the bendix clutch (also called overrunning clutch) is supposed to spring back on spiral teeth that it slides on and disengage the ring gear.
If this doesn't happen, it's sticking somehow. Maybe the spring is weak or the parts don't fit just right. I'm not sure - I've never rebuilt a starter. (which leads to my thread)
I wonder if the clutch will loosen a little bit with a few uses and stop doing this.

good luck.

-Joel

[junior]

Your starter relay switch is sticking.That happened with my 64.I put a new one in and that solved it.

[HellBelly]

I had the same problem with a truck i was messing with. Ended up being the starter relay as well. I didn't replace it thought. The cable coming from the battery; the end the bolts to the relay was pushed back up against the body/relay. I pulled the cable back out and no more issue. It was jumping across the relay like you were jumping it with e screwdriver under the hood.

Scott

[rd200]

where is the starter relay. I would guess it is that little metal box on the driver side inside fender well. The starter started going crazy after I went over some bumps. Will NAPA carry one?....... Thanks...

[712edf]

where is the starter relay. I would guess it is that little metal box on the driver side inside fender well. The starter started going crazy after I went over some bumps. Will NAPA carry one?....... Thanks...

Yep, your positive battery cable goes to it. Another cable/wire comes up from the starter to it. Any auto parts store should have one. There should be 2 types, 1 for automatics & the other for manuals.

Bucky