Continues to turn over/running on with ignition off

[sezicoolcat]

1984 A reg T25 1.9DG petrol water cooled
Couldn't start engine today. Has stood for a few weeks.
Is a lazy starter, but there's a knack to getting her going (each owner knows their van).

Today she wouldn't start, kept turning over, but didn't catch. But the odd thing was that when I turned off the ignition, she was still trying to start. Even with key removed and in my pocket, engine was still trying.

I removed the +ve lead off the battery terminal in the end, but not before it drained the battery. (+ve terminal lead felt a bit warm too).

Any ideas what this might be? I think it's called "engine running on". I suspect the ignition switch. But I might be wrong. Can't find anything in the forum, have searched for awhile. But maybe I'm not using the correct search terms.

Sarah

[937carrera]

Either the electrical part of the ignition switch is jamming in the start position, there's a short inside it or the solenoid is jamming in the closed position.

If you have a meter start off by checking that the ignition switch is working correctly, I did a post earlier today with a link to the wiring diagram

[sezicoolcat]

Thanks 937carrera. Will have a look for that article.

[sezicoolcat]

How bizarre. Just charged up the battery. Connected it up. Turned key. It started. Turned off. Fine. Turned key. Started. Turned off. Disconnected battery so it's fresh for when I need it next.

Maybe the battery was a little weak.

[bigherb]

If the starter is used excessively it overheats and the solenoid sticks engaged, when the starter cools it releases and normal service is resumed or sometimes it needs a tap from a hammer to release it.