On my '84 2.3, the starter motor jammed in the running position after the engine started - so both the engine and the starter motor were running simultaneously. Turning off the ignition would not stop the starter turning the engine. I assume the bendix would not recoil from the flywheel for some reason.

By the time I was able to disconnect the battery, the starter had almost wound all the juice out and was turning very slowly.

This also happened with the previous starter some years back, which was irreparably damaged as a result.

But I removed the current starter and it spins well when wired with jumpers.

I could dissemble it and check for damage, but how do I prevent this happening again? Apparently when the bendix is engaged there is a circuit which keeps current flowing to the starter. What's the solution?

Could the problem be in the starter relay?

 

sounds like the starter solenoid. i had this happen when the one in my old 89' went bad

 

It's very rare for the starter solenoid to stick but it is possible.
You might look into the key switch circuit .
As for the bendix keeping the current flowing , NO . The bendix is a mechanical part that has no control over the power supplying the starter.

 

The solenoid on my 06 took a dump a few months ago. Did the same thing. Got replaced under warranty

 

Thanks for the starter solenoid suggestion. I'll check the book and investigate. Also the key circuit, but less suspicious here.

Ken, are speaking of Rottweilers or guardian angels?

 

Friends and family in the Armed Forces.