[Roadsters] Smoking/failing starter or something else?

[Richard Brown]

Because the ignition is stuck in the start position.  The motor is still 
spinning.  I don't think it was designed to run for long times.  I have had 
two ignition switches do that to me.  The first time it happened it took me 
a few minutes to figure out what the sound was.  It didn't happen every 
time, but when it did I could move the key and the sound would go away.  I 
never had one run long enough to burn up the starter.

Richard


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "E Scanlon" <escanlon at wa-net.com>
To: "Paul" <9laser3 at bright.net>; "'Ritchie Labate'" <rlabate at sbcglobal.net>; 
<datsun-roadsters at autox.team.net>
Sent: Wednesday, July 01, 2009 6:50 PM
Subject: Re: [Roadsters] Smoking/failing starter or something else?


> 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