[Roadsters] Smoking/failing starter or something else?

[E Scanlon]

Good point, but why would he allow the engine to idle both times with the 
"high pitch whirling sound" that it was making prior to burning up the 
starter?.  Or phrased a different way, why would he note a "different" sound 
upon returning to the car if the starter never disengaged?

Just my 2"

Sent: Wednesday, July 01, 2009 1:44 PM
Subject: RE: [Roadsters] Smoking/failing starter or something else?


>  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