Starter will not shut off 1989 88SPL

[roger3645]

I have a 1989, Evinrude 88 SPL, which runs great. Yesterday I started the boat to put it back on the trailer. Once on the trailer, I shut the motor off and could hear something running on the motor. I figured it was the starter. I tried working the key a couple of times but it would not stop so I disconnected the main positive battery cable on the cranking battery which made the starter stop spinning. Then each time I touched the battery cable to the battery post the starter would enguage. Can this be something other than a faulty key switch?
Thanks

 

[racerone]

Plunger stuck / jammed in the starter solenoid ?

 

[roger3645]

Okay, I guess if I disconnect the soleniod wire at the key switch and reconnect the battery. This should stop the starter from engaging, if it is the key switch. If the starter engages then it is the soleniod. Does that sound right?

 

[racerone]

Remove the big wire from the starter.----When you now touch cables to the battery, do you hear the solenoid click ?--Yes or no

 

[roger3645]

I'll have to get back to you this evening on that. But I did disconnect the big wire from the starter so I could use the power trim. And I did turn the key a couple times and each time I did I heard a click. Don't know if that helps any.

 

[emdsapmgr]

When the starter solenoid gets old, the internal contacts get burned. Sometimes they will get stuck together and the starter continue to be powered, even though the key is in the "run" position. It can keep rotating until you disconnect the battery or the solenoid. You may want to replace the solenoid if it's got a lot of years on it.

 

[roger3645]

Okay thanks, the solenoid may be old, I have had the motor for 4 yrs. Racerone, there is not a click.

 

[boobie]

Did you do what you said in post # 3 ??