You are here:

Classic/Antique Car Repair/vw beetle starter problems

Advertisement

Expert: - 12/1/2007


Question
I am rebuilding a 1972 beetle, we put on a new starter and we turn the ignition switch  the car turns over but when we turn it off it continues to turn over and will not stop we have to disconnect the battery to stop it, we are not sure of the wiring many of the wires were cut and we are putting them back by a book as ref.

Answer
This could either be a starter solenoid sticking or the ignition feed wire that is supposed to be only alive when the key is in the start position is some how mixed up with the run ignition wire. This would mean that as long as the key is in any on position the starter will run. However that said my bet is on the sticking solenoid. Get a new one and install it.
Brad

Classic/Antique Car Repair

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Brad Sears

Expertise

All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.

Experience

Automotive tech instructor. Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's. Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated. Auto instructor for the following companies: Fram Autolyte Holly Carter AMF Ford Motor University Of Conn Blue Hills Technical School Sugar River Technical Center Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.

Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.

Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember. Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.

Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.