I have a perfectly fine, 87000 mile, 1974 Lincoln Mark IV but in the past month, the starter just keeps running after I try to start it. Have had to disconnect the battery cable to get it to stop. It will usually crank eventually but yesterday, it won’t do ANYTHING. Just have a “click” when I try to start it. Battery is fully charged.
Anybody know where I can start? Thanks. Jerry-
starters have a solenoid that is activated when energized by the ignition that engages a small gear to the flywheel and spins it to start the engine. It should retract from the flywheel after you release the ignition switch from the start position to the run position. It is possible that the ignition switch is bad and kept it energized or that the starter or solenoid are in need of replacement. At this age of car, I would suspect either, but I would go with a new starter first. And don’t use a rebuilt, use a new or remanufactured starter, as the others have a high rate of failure.
Thanks redtag. I was afraid it was one or the other.
i would think that by now, a sticking ignition switch has ruined the starter.
however just installing a new starter (if the ignition switch is still faulty) will just kill another starter.
if you put in a new starter have someone standing by to IMMEDIATELY disconnect the battery or your going to fry another starter. if you have the same scenario after installing the new starter, then the ignition switch needs inspecting.