[Roadsters] Smoking/failing starter or something else?

[E Scanlon]

Sent: Tuesday, June 30, 2009 3:45 PM
Subject: [Roadsters] Smoking/failing starter or something else?


>I need help with my '68 2000. About a year ago, I replaced the original 
>starter ...snip...
Worked fine for about 6 trips.
Installed new headers, leaving the shop, 10 minutes later, I hear a high 
pitch whirling sound, then smoke from under the hood, I shut it down.

Was told by a mechanic its the starter.

I replaced it ...(and)..., drove it maybe a dozen more times.
Last weekend, started up in the garage, idled for 10 minutes when I went 
inside, came back, heard the whirling sound, then smoking. Immediately shut 
it down, looked underneath, saw smoke coming from starter, not able to start 
it again.

What the heck?? Mechanic said maybe solenoid, not disengaging flywheel, and 
burning up the solder inside. It did smell like an electrical fire. Could it 
be anything else? Ignition system? Why does it appear to work a few times 
than fails? I'm hesitant to go ahead and throw in this new starter at this 
point. Should I take it to an electrical specialist to diagnose first?
>
> Thanks!
>
> Ritch
>
I can't claim a lot of mechanical expertise, but it seems as though you 
already HAVE diagnosed the problem, but you haven't mentioned it.

If' I read your post correctly (albeit edited above), the starter seems to 
ENGAGE WHILE the engine is running.  That doesn't sound as though the 
solenoid isn't disengaging from the initial start, but rather that it 
RE-engages AFTER the car has been running a while.

Which can be caused by a short in the starter circuit that is actuating the 
solenoid and causing the starter to engage... or if memory serves right, a 
weak return spring on the starter gear with the same results.  And if I've 
mis-phrased it, I hope others can explain it better.

Thoughts?
E