car continues to run

[kasearch@ix.netcom.com]

This is a new one for me. 

69 GT500, with ALL new, rebuilt or fully restored components.

Finally got the car running for the first time in over 19 years.  The problem occurred that after starting the engine, timing it and setting the fuel mixture, when I went to shut off the engine (with the key), the car continued to run at idle speed. Moved the key from run, to off, to acc, back to off - no change - it continued to run.  I had to disconnect the battery to shut it off.   And I am not talking the dieseling/run on effect for when a motor is refusing to shut off.  It is running and will accelerate with the key off. Thoughts/suggestions on where to start troubleshooting.

[Bob Gaines]

This is a new one for me. 

69 GT500, with ALL new, rebuilt or fully restored components.

Finally got the car running for the first time in over 19 years.  The problem occurred that after starting the engine, timing it and setting the fuel mixture, when I went to shut off the engine (with the key), the car continued to run at idle speed. Moved the key from run, to off, to acc, back to off - no change - it continued to run.  I had to disconnect the battery to shut it off.   And I am not talking the dieseling/run on effect for when a motor is refusing to shut off.  It is running and will accelerate with the key off. Thoughts/suggestions on where to start troubleshooting.

That is what happens typically if the timing is too far advanced.

[s2ms]

Try replacing the solenoid. Had this problem a few years ago, new solenoid did the trick...

[Bill Collins]

I have experienced this problem on cars with reproduction solenoids. The internal magnet jams and does not return to the off position.

Immediate fix is to grab a large plastic handled screwdriver and whack the solenoid hard with the blunt end. Permanent fix is to install an OEM Autolite solenoid.

[FL SAAC]

Does the car keep running, like the starter is engaged?

Could be the starter solenoid is sticking or does it just continue running with out engaging flywheel?

Then either the ignition switch is bad or the solenoid (where the starter /battery cables meet) will cause an engine to keep running. 


Good luck

[greekz]

I had that problem a few years back and it was the ignition switch. 

[Bob Gaines]

I had that problem a few years back and it was the ignition switch.

+1. I had the same thing happen with Bill Collins in the car with my continuation 66 GT350 convert. I wonder if you remember that Bill? It was the ignition switch ignition switch in my case. The internals are compromised and not working like a switch. Starter Solenoid issue is typically the starter continuing to be engaged and turning. wack it with something to knock the inside loose as Bill C mentioned.

[67 GT350]

Try replacing the solenoid. Had this problem a few years ago, new solenoid did the trick...

Me to on a 67...freakiest thing!

[Bill Collins]

I had that problem a few years back and it was the ignition switch.

+1. I had the same thing happen with Bill Collins in the car with my continuation 66 GT350 convert. I wonder if you remember that Bill? It was the ignition switch ignition switch in my case. The internals are compromised and not working like a switch. Starter Solenoid issue is typically the starter continuing to be engaged and turning. wack it with something to knock the inside loose as Bill C mentioned.

You are right Bob - the "whack job" fix is to stop the engine from cranking. The no stop when turning the key off is the ignition switch. I've had it happen on a couple of other cars besides yours. Just a function of aging components. Speaking of aging, am I developing an "old timer's" condition? 

[csxsfm]

Bad old Ford ignition switch did that to me.

[Bob Gaines]

I had that problem a few years back and it was the ignition switch.

+1. I had the same thing happen with Bill Collins in the car with my continuation 66 GT350 convert. I wonder if you remember that Bill? It was the ignition switch ignition switch in my case. The internals are compromised and not working like a switch. Starter Solenoid issue is typically the starter continuing to be engaged and turning. wack it with something to knock the inside loose as Bill C mentioned.

You are right Bob - the "whack job" fix is to stop the engine from cranking. The no stop when turning the key off is the ignition switch. I've had it happen on a couple of other cars besides yours. Just a function of aging components. Speaking of aging, am I developing an "old timer's" condition? 

[s2ms]

When I had the same problem on my 66 as the OP, it wasn't the starter trying to keep engaging. I had just returned from a long drive, pulled in the garage, turned the key off, and the engine just kept happily running. Changed key positions, no change. I also strongly suspected the ignition switch but just decided to try replacing the (original FoMoCo) solenoid, since it was much easier and had an NOS Motorcraft solenoid handy. Was surprised that was the problem.

[Royce Peterson]

I have had this issue a couple times. In both cases unplugging the voltage regulator shut the car off. They were both brand new repop voltage regulators.

[shelbymann1970]

I had this same problem on my 428 Mach1 after repainting the engine bay and engine. I took the solenoid off. Sanded the paint behind it and mounted the solenoid back on(better ground). My screws were not real tight initially either. No problems since