[Roadsters] Smoking/failing starter or something else?

[Paul]

  Normally once an engine is up to idle speed, the solenoid on a starter
will not get the starter engaged to the flywheel again.  My guess is the
starter never let go of the flywheel.  The windings won't start to burn for
a few miles, depending on the engine speed.  (BTDT!)
  Or maybe the switch isn't returning to the ON position, keeping the
solenoid engaged?

Paul
Ohio

-----Original Message-----

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