Starter stays running.

[whydoihateboats]

1991 Chris Craft. Just out of storage. We went to start it and the engine fired right up but the starter stayed running, turned the key off and nothing, had to pull coil wire and turn battery off. Is the switch bad or do I have a starter solenoid problem, or both?

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,...... The only way to answer yer question, is by Testing the start circuit,.....
Get yerself a test light to figure it out,....

 

[whydoihateboats]

I have a test light and multi meter, just no idea where to start.

 

[whydoihateboats]

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,..... at the switch, the yellow/ red wire should be powered Only when the key is in the Start position,.....

 

[BWR1953]

I have a test light and multi meter, just no idea where to start.

AI can help troubleshoot. I

 

[Scott Danforth]

On the starter solenoid are 3 connections

B is Battery cable
S is the start wire ( yellow with red stripe)
R or I is the relay connection to provide 12 volts to the ignition system with points style ignition

Your starter command from the key switch goes from the key switch to the shift interrupt switch to the primary coil of the pilot relay. The secondary side of the pilot relay has one wire to a battery+ and the other side has the yellow wire with the red stripe going to the starter S terminal

 

[Lou C]

You can check for voltage at the yellow red wire for the starter either at the ignition switch or at the solenoid itself (switch will be easier) if there is no voltage on the yellow/red wire after you release the key, then I'd suspect a solenoid or starter drive problem. If there is, more likely an ignition switch problem.