Wirewolf

Two weeks ago my 1987 F150 suddenly developed a starter problem. The starter would not disengage once the engine fired off. Turning the key to off had no effect. I had to pull the negative cable off the battery to make it stop. When I put the cable back on, everything was fine. But when I tried to start it again, the same thing happened. Three times I went through it, and finally left it.

I decided to replace the starter relay, although the one on it wasn't but 16 months old. That changed nothing. The starter still wouldn't disengage unless the battery was disconnected.

I tested both the relay (too late!) and the switch by hooking a multi-meter on the starter side of the relay and turning the key. Turning the key gives me 12 volts, letting go drops it to 0 just like it should.

I figure that means my starter has a problem, so I take it to Auto Zone and they test it. It tests as good and stops running like it should when the test is over.

So can my starter be bad but still test as good?

I've also looked around these forums for similar posts about my problem and seen mention of 'voltage problems' causing this to happen, but no details were given. Can anyone tell me what and where to check for these 'voltage problems?'

Many thanks in advance.

Good old Bill

When you start the engine, check for voltage at the starter side of the starter relay, there should be no voltage present. If there is no voltage at this terminal and the starter is running the bendix is not disengaging the starter from the engine. If there is voltage, then its a wiring issue.

Wirewolf

Thanks, I'll try that tomorrow. I forgot to mention that I had changed nothing before the problem showed up, no replacement parts or rewiring or anything like that.