Starter Switch Stuck

[doug.nichols]

I have a cut off switch in the positive wire between the battery and starter switch (12v neg ground). My starter stuck and did not respond to pulling the fuse or turning the shut off switch to the off position. I had to pull the negative ground wire off the battery to stop the starter from turning. Can someone explain how the starter could stick on without power from the battery.

Thank you, Doug and son.

[denniskliesen]

Always install the switch to the ground. Your switch is probably bad now.

[Patrick L.]

I don't see how that can happen, unless, I'm not understanding something.

[doug.nichols]

My son reminded me of the sequence of events. I misled everyone. The negative battery connection was not removed, we freed the starter switch by tapping on it. However, we still don't understand how the starter could be spinning and stuck on with the fuse and the cut off switch in the positive line turned to the off position. I will be moving my cutoff to the negative side.

[Brentwood Bob]

Your starter switch should not be sticking.
Is it a replacement, or unknown vintage?

[Clem Clement]

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Some after market starter switches had weak copper pads

[doug.nichols]

The starter that stuck was an old unit of unknown origin. I have replaced it with a new unit from Bert's and so far so good.

[johnbuckley]

I've had a master switch sitcking to the "on " position" ,at the same time as the starter switch was stuck on ..... fortunately a couple of taps on the maaster switch freed it to the "off" position.

[eagle]

Two things: 1. the fuse will only cut power to the aux and ignition circuits of the car, starter is wired direct, no fuse or current limiting device. 2. Depending on the type of disconnect switch you have, some use a spring to separate the contacts when in the OFF position. They will sometimes "weld" together enough so the spring won't open the contacts. Replace the disconnect switch with one that does NOT rely on a spring to disconnect the contacts. Also, if the starter switch you have is an original, keep it. The new repro ones are not as good. Take it apart, clean it and dress the points, make sure the insulator is in good shape. If you already have a repro, find an original. It doesn't really matter if the switch is in the negative or positive cable.