Starter Engaged?

[okcchristina]

When I start my 90 ls400 it starts perfectly but it sounds to me like the starter is staying engaged has anyone else had this problem? Can anyone give me advice? I thought for a minute I could just bang on the starter but now as I read here today the starter is inaccessible by only lifting the hood. Please help someone. I don't know much about this car yet, the unique I know is that I love her anyway I can do minor repair work with instruction. Thanks to everyone.

[landar]

Starter solenoid contacts (on many different models of cars) are notorious for getting "stuck" in the on position when they become worn. The contacts sort of weld together for a moment and then vibrate apart.

This has the effect that you described. The starter continues to run even after you have released the key from the "start" position.

I have also heard of the solenoid spring not returning the starter gear from the flywheel thus keeping the starter engaged. In either case, it sounds like a new or rebuild starter may be in your LS's near future.

[chilkoot]

what would that sound like? I have a whining noise coming from my PS pump/left bank area that I can't pin down. It sounds like a super-large electric motor revving up and down, or an old 4-cyl volvo revving up. Always there when my car is on.

[okcchristina]

Starter solenoid contacts (on many different models of cars) are notorious for getting "stuck" in the on position when they become worn. The contacts sort of weld together for a moment and then vibrate apart.

This has the effect that you described. The starter continues to run even after you have released the key from the "start" position.

I have also heard of the solenoid spring not returning the starter gear from the flywheel thus keeping the starter engaged. In either case, it sounds like a new or rebuild starter may be in your LS's near future.