2.3L ('83-'97) Keeps cranking

[Otto57]

Carbed 2.3 with no spark keeps cranking with the key out. Replaced coil, ignition module key switch and relay on fenderwell. What else could cause these problems? It was starting up fine until I had a fuel leak from the tank. Replaced the tank and send unit and it started and ran to the street and died. Any ideas? Thanks

 

[oldgeek]

To understand this, you take the key out of the ignition and the starter keeps cranking?

 

[Otto57]

It keeps cranking until I disconnect the battery. I can connect the battery again and it does not crank until I turn the key again. This is making me crazy.

 

[oldgeek]

Maybe the starter solenoid gets stuck while energized? Or is that the relay you referred to?

 

[Otto57]

Well, I replaced everything except the ignition switch on the lower steering column. Thinking maybe a bad ground? Seems odd that I have no spark and it keeps cranking.

 

[oldgeek]

That is interesting. My first thought was the solenoid getting stuck while energized and when the power is removed, it disengages. Then I wonder if you have a short in the ignition switch, but why doesn't it continue after reconnecting the battery cables?

I'm going to be watching this one.

 

[55trucker]

Put a remote starter across the starter terminals & see if you get the same result. If the issue does not happen with the remote the issue is upstream.

 

[Otto57]

If the ignition switch on the column is bad, would I still have power to the starter? I don't have a remote starter, can I get same results by jumping the terminals with screwdrivers? I hate electrical issues.

 

[Uncle Gump]

Screw driver will work... ensure it's in park or natural. Pull the small ignition wire from the fender mounted relay... jump it and see what happens.

I suspect that if it had a bad ground... you would have entirely different set of symptoms.

 

[Otto57]

Jump the small wire instead of main power lead? I used to jump main lead.

 

[Uncle Gump]

No... big hot terminal to the small terminal on the relay.

 

[Otto57]

Ok, I will try it when I get home from work. So if it turns over normally and stops, then the relay is bad. Correct? Thanks.

 

[Uncle Gump]

No... it would mean the ignition switch was causing the constant crank.

If it still does it... the ignition switch is good and the relay is bad... sticking.

 

[Otto57]

Got it. Anxious to try it tonight. Thank you

 

[Otto57]

Ok, guess I have another bad relay. Kept cranking when I bypassed the relay. If I'm not mistaken the relay also sends voltage to the coil and I have no spark