Triumph Repair: Starter not disengaging, dumbass

Question
QUESTION: Jim,
I put a 1977 1500 motor from a Spitfire into a 1974 Spitfire. I also brought over the electronic ignition, coil and starter solenoid from the '77.

Everything matched up fine.  However, the engine turns over and fires immediately when I connect the battery cables (whether the ignition key is on or not.
Ed

What do you suppose is happening?, I didn't do any other changes or wiring.

ANSWER: Ed,

This is the project you bought sans engine, with the engine from the parts car?

Are you sure the electrical portion of the ignition switch is connected to the mechanical switch?   And have you made sure the electrical part is moving when you turn the switch?

You might try disconnecting the power lead from the coil and solenoid and having a friend help in turning the ignition switch to verify what's happening when the switch is turned.



Cheers,

Jim

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Jim,
Yes, his is the '74 project car with the '77 donor.

The problem is not the ignition switch...I even took it out of the car and left the plug in leads blank and the problem persists.

Somehow, I've got the starter lead and ignition wires hot when I put on the battery leads.
ED

Answer
ED,

There's nothing in the stock wiring harness that would keep the starter solenoid and ignition circuit energized in the absence of the ignition switch electrical portion.

Sounds like somehow the wiring is a bit scrambled.  Not unreasonable on a 36 year old car.   A good starting point is to look for non-standard wiring additions and/or connectors.

Keep in mind that this is a free service.  It is not a substitute for having the correct repair manual and the correct trouble shooting tools such a multimeter.


Cheers,

Jim