[tubut]

John,

My past experience with a Chevette is that, when the starter contacts driven by the solenoid start to be worn, or the battery voltage is low (weak battery), the contacts close slower (in fact, a lot slower), resulting in a longer duration of the arc that forms across the contacts when they close. This arc may be so long and strong that the contacts are welded shut. This happened to me twice on that Chevette -- and may have happened on your car, too.

A nasty side effect of this problem is that, because the starter doesn't shut off, you'll probably fry the starter motor. The only possible outcome of frying the starter motor is one immense short, followed by the wiring harness or battery cable melting or catching fire (there is no fuse other than these cables!!!) and/or the battery melting down. In one instance, I was just quick enough to pry the battery cable off with a car jack before the damage got any worse.

So, take this seriously! Remove the solenoid and check the contacts. If the contacts are pitted, replace them. And make sure you have a healthy battery.

Good luck,

Ruedi