Need Help starting !!!

[mycool88]

Greetings to all! Here's a good one guys and I need help! Bought an '83 Ranger with 2.3 and manual 5-speed. #1 piston was cracked and replaced it... cleaned other pistons and put in new rings and bearings. Truck was running on three cylinders when I got it, but it would crank and run. Since the work, I can get it to crank, but immediately dies when I release the key from the start position. Put in new ignition switch and starter relay (solenoid). Sometimes the starter will continue to run (and the motor will run) after I release the switch, then I have to undo the neg cable to get it to stop. It seems like I have no running circuit after I release the start switch. The truck will run if I keep the starter going. Has anyone had a similar problem? I'm stumped and need this truck to drive to school during the summer. I'm an Automotive student but am still learning the ropes on electrical problems. Where do I start? Anybody please help! and THANKS!!!
Mike in North Carolina

 

[BRUTUS_T_HOG]

check the harness coming off your ignition switch, sometimes they get melted.

when the starter sticks try to unplug the control wire from the solenoid to see if the ignition switch is sticking or if the solenoid is sticking internally