My starter motor turns continually, even when the key is off. Only way to stop it turning is to remove the battery. What couls the problem be?

SOURCE: starter not turning after winter. battery was removed/charg

Hi and welcome to FixYa,

If the starter motor will not turn, a few ideas to consider:

• the starter motor is actually switched by the starter relay. The starter relay is switched by the start button;
• on pressing the start button there would be an audible click, that would be the starter relay;
• the starter relay will only work if the sidestand is down, the bike is in neutral and the engine switch is on. These are the interlocks/safeguards;
• to locate the starter relay, follow the cable from the + terminal of the battery;
• press on the start button, the starter relay should click;
• if starter motor will not turn, jumper the two big terminals of the starter relay using a wrench. Do it on the nuts not on the threaded portion;
• if the starter motor engages, then the starter relay is faulty;
• if there is no click from the starter relay, either it is faulty or any of the interlocks is preventing it from working;
• if there is click but the starter will not spin and then will spin when the terminals are jumped, then the contacts of the starter relay are faulty;
• if even jumping the terminals, the starter motor will not turn, then it wold be a defective starter motor, most likely the carbon brushes.
  

SOURCE: starter motor turning,but engine doesn't!!

Sounds like you have a problem with the timing chain and the valve timing is out meaning a valve is down when the piston at the top causing an interference. Take the spark plugs out and with the bike in a high gear and on the center stand see if the engine will turn over by hand by pulling the back wheel. Don't force it or you will bend a valve and damage the piston though it probably has happened already. You would need to open the engine up and see what is happening with the timing chain, valve timing etc and go from there.

Testimonial: "Thanks,could not get past 2nd gear,did get to turn crank over,not sure yet if cams turning,I think the starter chain is u/s.engine strip here we come."

Greg O'Day

• 376 Answers
• Posted on Dec 12, 2009

SOURCE: starter motor wouldent stop runing even with key

The starter silanoid is going bad and staying open.
Change it out with a new one.

Angelo Stewart

• 224 Answers
• Posted on May 21, 2010

SOURCE: THE BIKE WAS RUNNING FINE IN THE EVENING. RODE TO ...

your starter button is malfunctioning. maybe some oxidation in the switch. when starter button is pressed in that can cause your other electrical stuff to not work.

Mot Smith

• 500 Answers
• Posted on Apr 21, 2011

SOURCE: 1979 sportster - selenoid has

Or the big washer in solenoid is burnt & sticking take apart sand big copper washer & part it touches reassemble .. you may also ask this ? at harleytalking.com they have helped me...