Starter motor 'sticking'

[Chez]

Hello,

First of thanks for having me on the forum I'm sure it will be a pleasure.

I have a 1981 TR7 which I bought recently and have been working on. I have had the car started and idling but the starter motor is sticking when turning the key. I assumed it was the solenoid and have took the motor out cleaned in all up to the point the motor was working alot better when it is outside the engine and connected to the battery. However, as soon as it goes back in the engine the problem is back.

I am happy the starter motor is working well, and am curious if anyone has had a similiar issue and if the starter motor could be playing up because of something else.

Many thanks,

Chez

[saabfast]

Welcome to the forum.
I assume you mean that the starter keeps turning when the key is released? Are you sure the ignition switch is springing back fully from the 'start' position? Alternatively the starter relay may be sticking. This is normally the blue cylindrical relay attached to the side of the fusebox in the rear of the glovebox. Note it is not a standard relay and generally has to be obtained from one of the specialist suppliers unless you are lucky with local factors.